Bill Gates Fails to Reverse $8B USAID Cuts After Rubio Meeting

Bill Gates made a secret visit to the White House to urge Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reverse significant foreign aid cuts led by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), specifically targeting the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). These cuts, totaling over $8 billion, threaten critical health programs in Africa such as HIV/AIDS prevention and malaria treatment. Despite Gates' pleas, Rubio maintained that the administration has no plans to restore the funding, citing national insolvency and a focus only on 'lifesaving programs' that advance U.S. interests. The reductions have dismantled much of USAID's workforce and infrastructure, drawing sharp criticism from Gates, who accused Musk of harming vulnerable populations worldwide. The dispute reflects a broader rift between President Trump and Musk, whose approach emphasizes rapid government downsizing and efficiency, while Gates advocates for sustained philanthropic investment and aid. This episode highlights the ongoing debate over U.S. foreign aid priorities and the internal tensions within the Trump administration regarding budget cuts and global health commitments.