Businessman Bill Gates exits through the lobby at Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., December 13, 2016. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo
Bill Gates to Visit Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago Amid Tech Sector Outreach
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Friday that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is scheduled to visit him at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida later that evening. Trump shared the news in a Truth Social post, stating, “Bill Gates asked to come, tonight. We miss you and x! New Year’s Eve is going to be AMAZING!!! DJT.” Further details about the meeting were not disclosed.
Background of Gates-Trump Relationship
While Gates has been critical of Trump in the past, particularly over his administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, he congratulated Trump on his November 5 election victory and expressed hope for collaboration. The potential meeting signals a possible thawing in their relationship as Trump prepares to assume office on January 20.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation did not immediately respond to inquiries about the visit.
Tech Sector Engagement with Trump
The tech industry has been actively engaging with Trump’s transition team, with several leading companies pledging significant donations to his inaugural fund. These efforts appear aimed at fostering favorable relations with the incoming administration.
- Meta Platforms: CEO Mark Zuckerberg visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago in November. Meta has pledged $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund, according to a company spokesperson.
- Amazon and Uber: Both companies have also committed $1 million each to the fund.
Broader Implications
The meeting between Gates and Trump, alongside the tech sector’s outreach efforts, reflects the industry’s intent to align with the new administration on key issues. Gates’ visit, in particular, could serve as an opportunity to discuss shared priorities, including innovation, global health, and technology policy.
As Trump’s inauguration nears, these engagements highlight the evolving dynamics between the tech sector and the incoming Republican administration.
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