According to a New York Times report, Gates recently made a $50 million contribution to Future Forward USA Action, a nonprofit group backing Harris. This move, which Gates has kept private, marks a significant shift in his long-standing official political neutrality and could have major implications for the race.

"This Election Is Different:" Gates' Shift
Gates' decision to make this donation represents a stark departure from his previous reluctance to engage in high-profile political funding. In the past, he has avoided political endorsements and large donations, stating in 2019:

I choose not to participate in large political donations. There are times it might feel tempting to do so, and there are other people who choose to do so, but I just don't want to grab that gigantic megaphone.

This year, however, the stakes appear to be higher. While Gates has not made any public statement endorsing Harris, his $50 million donation to Future Forward reflects his growing anxiety about the political and societal future the way he envisions it.

According to the Times:

"I support candidates who demonstrate a clear commitment to improving health care, reducing poverty and fighting climate change in the U.S. and around the world," [Gates] told The New York Times. "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."

The move appears to underscore his belief that the 2024 election holds far-reaching consequences.

Concerns About Trump
Though Gates has historically worked with politicians from both major parties, his private conversations reveal deep concerns about the impact of a potential Trump comeback. Gates sees risks in areas such as climate change and global health:

In private calls this year to friends and others, Mr. Gates has expressed concern about what a second Donald Trump presidency would look like….

Mr. Gates's philanthropic organization, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is significantly concerned about potential cuts to family planning and global health programs if Mr. Trump is elected, according to two people close to the foundation.