![Bill Gates tried to rescue USAID](https://cdn-tor.buminteractif.com/2025/02/07143542/1-musk-trump-gates-getty-243234-2.jpg)
The billionaire had the opportunity for a brief conversation with Trump to make his point about saving USAID.
The White House
![The White House](https://cdn-tor.buminteractif.com/2025/02/07143544/GettyImages-2177670507-1-1.jpg)
Bill Gates, co-founder of the non-profit Gates Foundation recently visited the White House to meet with Donald Trump and his Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles.
The best
![The best](https://cdn-tor.buminteractif.com/2025/02/07143546/GettyImages-2197370323-1-1.jpg)
During this exchange, Gates praised the merits of several USAID-supported programs, stating that this program was «the best» in the world.
A Brief Moment
![A Brief Moment](https://cdn-tor.buminteractif.com/2025/02/07143547/GettyImages-1973346369-1-1.jpg)
The billionaire had only a brief moment to discuss with Trump the benefits of USAID on a global scale, according to many outlets.
The Numerous Programs
![The Numerous Programs](https://cdn-tor.buminteractif.com/2025/02/07143549/GettyImages-2174267169-1-1.jpg)
He would have argued that the numerous humanitarian aid programs he encompasses both enhance the influence and reputation of the United States.
Less than 1%
![Less than 1%](https://cdn-tor.buminteractif.com/2025/02/07143551/GettyImages-2197056108-1-1.jpg)
In an interview with CNN, Bill Gates acknowledged that adjustments could be made, but emphasized that, overall, this program represents less than 1% of the total U.S. government budget.
Diplomatic Relations
![Diplomatic Relations](https://cdn-tor.buminteractif.com/2025/02/07143553/GettyImages-2197166530-1-1.jpg)
He also emphasized that it is saving millions of lives around the world while helping to strengthen the important diplomatic relations of the United States with many countries.
The moral value
![The moral value](https://cdn-tor.buminteractif.com/2025/02/07143555/Elon-Musk-GettyImages-2194952041-1-1.jpg)
Gates tried to defend the moral and strategic value of maintaining these programs, while Elon Musk, at the helm of DOGE, intensified his criticisms against USAID and deployed all possible means to orchestrate its closure.
His Attacks
![His Attacks](https://cdn-tor.buminteractif.com/2025/02/07143558/GettyImages-2194350923-1-1.jpg)
Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has intensified his attacks against USAID, which he accuses of corruption and inefficiency, claiming that it should be abolished.
The chaos
![The chaos](https://cdn-tor.buminteractif.com/2025/02/07143559/GettyImages-2194420694-1-1.jpg)
Musk also stated that Donald Trump supported this initiative and that the closure of the agency was already underway, resulting in the suspension of its activities and sowing chaos in Washington.
John F. Kennedy
![John F. Kennedy](https://cdn-tor.buminteractif.com/2025/02/07143602/GettyImages-2197166521-1-1.jpg)
USAID (United States Agency for International Development) was founded in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, stating that “only effective development aid can be the key to a free and prosperous world.” Its goal is to fight against poverty, strengthen global stability, and promote democratic values.
25 million lives
![25 million lives](https://cdn-tor.buminteractif.com/2025/02/07143606/GettyImages-2197242192-1-1.jpg)
Among its major achievements is PEPFAR, launched in 2003 under George W. Bush, which has saved more than 25 million lives by combating HIV/AIDS. USAID has also played a key role in responding to humanitarian crises, vaccinating millions of children, and fighting famine around the world.