The Economics Show Bill Gates: how international development can survive the Trump presidency
32 snips
May 12, 2025 
Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, discusses his philanthropic journey and plans to donate an additional $200 billion to global health and education. He addresses the challenges of navigating international aid during the Trump administration, particularly the risks posed by funding cuts to vital health initiatives like PEPFAR. Gates also explores the complexities of wealth distribution, the fight against misinformation around vaccines, and the global effort to eradicate polio amidst the rapid advancements in AI technology.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Severe Cuts to USAID Funding
- USAID has faced severe defunding and staff cuts under the Trump administration.
- Efforts are underway to work with Congress to restore substantial parts of overseas aid budgets.
Critical Impact of Aid Cuts
- Trump administration may be unaware that aid cuts cause hundreds of thousands of HIV infections and over a million deaths.
- USAID's professional health data and infrastructure efforts are crucial to reducing global mortality.
Criticism of Elon Musk's USAID Cuts
- Bill Gates criticizes Elon Musk for misleadingly cutting USAID funds, affecting vulnerable children.
- While disappointed, Gates notes other billionaires are generously supporting global health.
