International: Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the wealthiest people globally, has donated USD 50 million to Future Forward USA Action, a nonprofit organisation backing Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris. According to The New York Times, this donation was intended to stay private, as Gates has not publicly endorsed Harris, who is campaigning against Republican Donald Trump in the upcoming November 5 election.

“Dark Money” contributions

The contribution is classified as “dark money,” meaning Future Forward USA Action isn't always required to reveal its donors. As a result, Gates’ donation will no longer be publicly filed. Reports indicated that Gates has privately voiced issues approximately the potential implications of a 2d Trump presidency, particularly concerning cuts to family planning and global health programs that his philanthropic organisation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, supports.

Emphasis on bipartisanship

Despite his concerns about Trump, Gates has spoken of his desire to work with both candidates. In response to the NYT report, he reaffirmed his bipartisan commitment, stressing that this election is important for Americans and vulnerable people around the world “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 said.

Support for Harris and wider context

Earlier this year, Gates expressed support for Harris as a potential Democratic nominee, emphasising his ability to stay in touch with current affairs. Since turning 60 yesterday, her opponent, Trump, is 78, making him the oldest presidential nominee in the US history. Gates’ ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, has publicly endorsed Harris, joining a list of more than 81 billionaires backing her campaign. In contrast, billionaire Elon Musk has expressed support for Trump.