The newly elected president, Donald Trump, seems to have made a positive impression on Bill Gates, the former CEO of Microsoft.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Gates described an “interesting” three-hour dinner with the president. He mentioned that the private dinner was attended only by Trump, himself, and two people who assist them in managing their businesses.
Although Gates reportedly helped fund Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 campaign, the philanthropist said he was “impressed” by Trump’s interests.
“The discussions were quite extensive,” Gates shared about their conversation.
Global health is an important issue for Gates, who as president of the Gates Foundation fights against diseases and poverty worldwide. The billionaire said that his conversation with Trump left both of them “quite excited” on various topics, including vaccine innovation.
“I felt he was full of energy and eager to help drive forward innovations,” he continued. “You know, I was really impressed by how interested he was in the issues I raised.”
Gates’ positive assessment of Trump comes months after he reportedly donated $50 million to a nonprofit organization that supported Kamala Harris’s presidential bid, though he did not publicly endorse the Democratic candidate.
Until 2024, Gates had largely stayed out of politics, keeping his views private.