Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has shared insights into a recent conversation with former President Donald Trump, revealing the president-elect’s enthusiasm for addressing global health challenges. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Gates described a dinner meeting with Trump, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, and a Gates Foundation staffer, which lasted for over three hours.
The discussion covered a range of issues, with a notable focus on HIV and polio. Gates, who is spearheading efforts through his foundation to develop a cure for HIV, shared his thoughts with Trump about accelerating medical innovations in a manner similar to the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines.
“He was very receptive to the idea that the same kind of innovative approach used for COVID vaccines could be applied to HIV,” Gates explained. “We both got excited about the possibilities.”
The conversation also extended to the fight against polio, which has seen substantial global progress but remains a challenge in certain regions, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Gaza, and parts of Africa. Gates emphasized the importance of achieving global eradication during the next presidential term, and Trump appeared genuinely engaged with the subject.
“He was fascinated to hear how he could help bring about the eradication of polio in the next four years,” Gates remarked. “I was impressed by his eagerness to contribute to driving innovation in these areas.”
Trump’s transition team did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the meeting.
The timing of Gates’ remarks coincides with Trump’s ongoing efforts to assemble his cabinet, with a particular focus on health-related appointments. Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine skeptic, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy’s past statements about vaccines, including controversial claims regarding the polio vaccine, have stirred debate. However, Kennedy has expressed support for the polio vaccine, stating, “I’m all for the polio vaccine.”
Trump has reiterated his commitment to the polio vaccine, emphasizing its continued protection. “You’re not going to lose the polio vaccine,” he assured reporters last month. “That’s not going to happen.”
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