Melinda Gates Reacts to Bill Gates’ $200 Billion Donation Decision—Reveals She Was Not Consulted
When it comes to life-altering financial decisions, most would expect their partner to be involved. Whether it’s moving cities for work, deciding to start a family, or discussing how to allocate shared wealth—consultation is typically a given. But for Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates, that wasn’t the case.
Speaking publicly, Melinda French Gates has revealed that she was not consulted on her ex-husband’s decision to give away $200 billion of his fortune—a move that stunned the philanthropic world and sparked widespread conversation.
One of the World’s Richest Men—Giving It All Away
As the co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates has spent decades at the top of the world’s wealth rankings. Though his current estimated net worth stands at $113 billion, far from his all-time peak, Gates has remained firmly committed to philanthropy.
Instead of investing in underground bunkers like Mark Zuckerberg or building colonies on Mars like Elon Musk, Gates has poured his wealth into global health, education, and poverty relief through The Gates Foundation and The Giving Pledge—a philanthropic initiative he co-launched in 2010 alongside Melinda French Gates and Warren Buffett, encouraging billionaires to donate the majority of their fortunes.
Melinda Breaks Her Silence
In a May 2025 interview with Fortune, Melinda French Gates addressed the recent announcement by Bill Gates to double the Gates Foundation’s spending to $200 billion and shut it down by 2045—a decision made without her input.
“This particular decision was made after I left,” she explained. “It was made between Bill and Mark [Suzman, the foundation’s CEO] and the board, and I think it’s a fantastic decision.”
She emphasized that giving back was always the plan, and she’s glad there is now a formal commitment.
Still, the revelation that she was excluded from such a monumental decision—despite being a co-founder and namesake of the foundation—has surprised many.
A Divorce, and Diverging Paths
The couple divorced in 2021 after 27 years of marriage, with Melinda later speaking publicly about the “betrayals” that contributed to their split. Since then, the foundation has been renamed simply The Gates Foundation, dropping “& Melinda” from its title while retaining its original mission.
Despite not being involved in the latest decision, Melinda French Gates herself remains incredibly wealthy. With an estimated net worth of $30.5 billion, she ranks as the 56th richest person in the world and continues to lead her own philanthropic efforts.
Philanthropy, Independence, and Moving Forward
While French Gates applauded the $200 billion commitment, the fact that she wasn’t part of the decision process underscores the independence both parties now maintain following their high-profile split.
The move also raises broader questions about the dynamics of co-founded philanthropic ventures post-divorce, especially when one party still serves as the public face of the organization.
Ultimately, Melinda remains supportive—even from the sidelines:
“It’s a fantastic decision,” she said. “And I’m glad the resources are being returned to society.”