Bill Gates Backpedals Trump Claims Climate ‘Victory’ After Memo Goes Viral

In a development that has swiftly stirred the political and environmental airwaves, Bill Gates the co-founder of Microsoft and renowned philanthropist released a memo that substantially recalibrates his tone on climate change, drawing a proud response from Donald Trump, who declared he had “won the war” on what he terms the “climate change hoax”. 

Gates’ memo argued that while climate change remains a serious concern, it will *not* lead to humanity’s end a striking shift from more urgent warnings he’s issued previously. He suggested that focusing resources simultaneously on global poverty, disease and adaptation might be a smarter strategy rather than treating climate change as an absolute existential crisis. 

Trump seized on the moment via his social-media platform, writing: “I (WE!) just won the War on the Climate Change Hoax. Bill Gates has finally admitted that he was completely WRONG on the issue. It took courage to do so, and for that we are all grateful. MAGA!!!” 

For Gates, the shift may reflect a nuanced repositioning: he still acknowledges climate risk, but argues the narrative of “civilization-ending” warming overshadows more immediate global development issues. 

Critics of this pivot, however, view it with scepticism. Some climate scientists warn that downplaying the severity of climate change even while promoting development goals risks sending mixed signals at a time when rapid emissions reductions are still deemed critical.

What remains clear is that this moment serves as a flashpoint: it underscores how global climate dialogue, philanthropic strategy, and political narratives are increasingly interwoven. For Gates, it may represent an attempt to broaden his focus; for Trump, a symbolic win in his ongoing campaign theme. Either way, the consequences for public perception of climate urgency are already rippling out.