Seattle, Washington – Melinda French Gates, a prominent billionaire and philanthropist, has broken her tradition of staying neutral in politics by publicly endorsing a presidential candidate for the first time. In a recent op-ed for CNN, French Gates announced her support for Joe Biden in the upcoming election, citing the critical importance of this election for women and families across the nation.
French Gates, who has previously been involved in bipartisan politics through her venture capital firm Pivotal Ventures, expressed concerns over the impact of President Donald Trump’s policies on women’s health and freedoms. She criticized Trump for his divisive rhetoric, restrictions on reproductive services, and the appointment of Supreme Court justices that led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Highlighting the importance of reproductive rights and access to healthcare for women, French Gates emphasized Biden’s commitment to supporting caregivers and protecting women’s rights. She contrasted Biden’s stance on these issues with Trump’s history of rolling back women’s rights, urging others who care about women and families to join her in supporting Biden’s candidacy.
In a significant move earlier this year, French Gates announced her departure from the Gates Foundation and her plans to dedicate $12.5 billion to her own philanthropic efforts. She followed up this announcement with a billion-dollar commitment to organizations working to support women and families globally, emphasizing the urgent need to protect and advance gender equality in the current climate.
French Gates’ endorsement of Biden comes at a critical juncture in the election cycle, as the nation grapples with ongoing debates surrounding women’s rights and healthcare access. Her decision to publicly back a candidate reflects her deep commitment to advocating for women and families, aligning with her philanthropic work and dedication to social causes.