Billionaire and philanthropist Melinda French Gates has publicly announced her endorsement of US President Joe Biden for the 2024 presidential election, marking the first time she has chosen to back a presidential candidate.
French Gates, who is the former wife of Bill Gates and co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, emphasized the immense significance of this election in an op-ed for CNN, stating that "the stakes for women and families have never been higher."
Expressing her decision to endorse a presidential candidate for the first time, she articulated, "I've never endorsed a presidential candidate before. But this year's election stands to be so enormously consequential for women and families that, this time, I can't stay quiet."
Known globally as an advocate for women and girls, French Gates underscored the critical need for leadership that prioritizes women's issues. She emphasized the importance of having a leader who is dedicated to safeguarding women's safety, health, economic empowerment, reproductive rights, and their ability to actively participate in a democratic society.
French Gates criticized the administration of former President Donald Trump, citing concerns that his policies endangered women's health, compromised their safety, and restricted essential freedoms. She particularly condemned what she described as Trump's divisive rhetoric, which she believes posed risks to women. She pointed to his actions such as cutting funding to organizations offering reproductive services and altering federal family planning programs.
Addressing the overturning of Roe v. Wade and its implications, French Gates highlighted the severe consequences, including denial of care to pregnant women in emergency rooms and obstetricians relocating from states with stringent abortion bans. She argued that the re-election of Trump would likely lead to increased state monitoring and prosecution of pregnant women.
In contrast, she commended Biden for his support of reproductive freedom, his efforts to restore funding, and his backing of medications like the abortion pill mifepristone.
French Gates praised Biden as a strong advocate for caregivers, asserting, "He is, put simply, the strongest champion for caregivers the Oval Office has ever seen."
Urging others who share her concerns for women and families to support Biden, she concluded, "While Trump has touted rolling back women's rights, Biden recognizes that the future of our country hinges on them. That's why Biden has earned my vote. I encourage anyone who values women and families to stand with me."
Elon Musk, another prominent billionaire, expressed dissatisfaction with Melinda French Gates' formal endorsement of Biden, commenting on X that it "Might be the downfall of western civilization (sic)."
