Microsoft founder Bill Gates secretly donated some $50 million to a group backing Kamala Harris but is not publicly endorsing the vice president, according to a report.
The billionaire’s hefty donation was made to Future Forward USA Action, according to the New York Times, which reports that Gates’ contribution was not intended to be made public.
“I support candidates who demonstrate a clear commitment to improving health care, reducing poverty and fighting climate change in the US and around the world,” Gates told the outlet, refusing to specifically address the donation.
“I have a long history of working with leaders across the political spectrum, but this election is different, with unprecedented significance for Americans and the most vulnerable people around the world,” he added.
Gates, 68, has privately expressed concern about former President Donald Trump defeating Harris in November, according to the New York Times.
The tech titan’s nonprofit, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, fears potential cuts to family planning and global health programs if Trump, 78, is elected to a second term.
The outlet notes that Gates isn’t particularly close with Harris, 60, but has praised the Harris-Biden administration’s work on climate change.
Gates has openly discussed his massive donation with friends, according to the report, including former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg.
Bloomberg, 82, reportedly contributed nearly $20 million to Future Forward earlier this year, when President Biden was still in the race.
Future Forward does not disclose its donors.
Gates, who has an estimated net worth of $162 billion, is among 81 billionaires bankrolling Harris’ White House run, according to Forbes.
Meanwhile, Trump has 50 billionaires supporting his White House bid.
