CURRENT REPORT BLOG In a surprising revelation, Bill Gates recently shared an intriguing encounter with Elon Musk, shedding light on a confrontation that took place over Gates’ decision to short $1.5 billion worth of Tesla stock. This unexpected clash between two tech titans offers a fascinating glimpse into their divergent views on climate change and investment strategies.
The Confrontation Unveiled
The feud between Bill Gates and Elon Musk came to the public’s attention in 2022 when Musk openly mocked Gates on a social media platform, X. Musk criticized Gates for shorting Tesla’s stock while simultaneously advocating for climate change action. This public exchange set the stage for a face-to-face meeting between the two influential figures.
Gates’ Attempt to Make Amends
In Walter Isaacson’s upcoming biography on Elon Musk, the author reveals that Gates reached out to Musk in September of the same year. Gates expressed his desire to discuss philanthropy and climate change during a meeting with Musk. The meeting took place at Musk’s Austin, Texas, plant, where the confrontation over the stock shorting decision unfolded.
The Heated Exchange
During the meeting, Elon Musk confronted Bill Gates regarding his decision to short $1.5 billion worth of Tesla stock. Gates, recognizing his mistake, issued an apology for the move. However, Musk remained upset and, in Gates’ words, became “super mean” towards the Microsoft co-founder.
Gates’ Perspective
In reflecting on the encounter, Bill Gates admitted that Musk’s demeanor during the confrontation wasn’t entirely surprising, considering Musk’s history of being confrontational with others. Gates rationalized Musk’s behavior by stating, “But he’s super mean to so many people, so you can’t take it too personally.”
The Meeting Arrangement
Interestingly, when Gates initially requested the meeting with Musk, the SpaceX CEO responded by claiming he didn’t have a scheduler or personal assistant. Instead, he suggested that Gates have his secretary contact him directly. Gates, undeterred, arranged the meeting for March 9, 2022.
Climate Change and Investment
Elon Musk’s primary point of contention during the meeting was Gates’ decision to short Tesla’s stock, despite his professed commitment to combating climate change. When Walter Isaacson pressed Gates on the rationale behind the shorting, Gates admitted that he had hoped to profit from the move. This perspective on investing was described by Isaacson as “alien” to Musk.
