Bill Gates criticized both President Donald Trump and Elon Musk in a recent interview with The New York Times, expressing concern that significant funding cuts to USAID will lead to a rise in childhood deaths globally. Gates stated, "Over the next few years, we had hoped to see childhood deaths decrease from five million to four million. If these cuts are not reversed, we will likely see an increase to six million." Earlier this year, Gates told The Wall Street Journal that he was "frankly impressed" by Trump's interest in global health and development during a three-hour dinner in December. However, months later, Trump and government efficiency advocate Elon Musk proposed drastic reductions to federal funding, which deeply concerned the Gates Foundation. "The reductions to USAID are stunning," Gates said in the latest interview. "We anticipated a 20 percent cut, but instead, it’s closer to 80 percent. No one expected that level of reduction." Gates specifically singled out Musk, alleging that the entrepreneur's actions contributed to these cuts. "He [Musk] practically shredded USAID’s budget, as if he didn’t attend a crucial party that weekend," Gates commented. When asked about Musk’s commitment to the Giving Pledge, where billionaires promise to donate the majority of their wealth to charitable causes, Gates noted a unique aspect of the pledge. "One unusual feature of the Giving Pledge is that you can wait until you die to fulfill it," he explained. "While it’s possible Musk may become a great philanthropist later, at present, the world’s richest man has been indirectly responsible for the deaths of the world’s poorest children." In the same interview, Gates announced his intention to gradually phase out the Gates Foundation over the next 20 years, focusing on saving and improving lives worldwide. By December 31, 2045, he plans to have donated nearly all of his wealth, reducing his net worth by 99 percent in the process. Gates’ comments reflect a growing urgency in the philanthropic community to address the critical funding needs of global health and development initiatives. His direct critique of Musk and Trump underscores the belief that cutting funding to such vital programs can have severe and immediate consequences, particularly for the most vulnerable populations. Despite the criticism, Gates remains committed to his mission, signaling a dedicated and strategic approach to his philanthropic efforts.