Bill Gates believes a billionaire's tax is the only option in the age of AI—and 'whatever's left over' can be used as a philanthropic safety net | Fortune

Bill Gates told Fortune that a tax on billionaires is the only viable way to fund public priorities in the AI era, arguing that whatever wealth remains after taxation can serve as a philanthropic safety net. The Microsoft co-founder’s remarks come as governments weigh how to capture gains from an AI-driven economy while traditional charitable giving struggles to keep pace with rising needs. Gates has previously advocated for higher taxes on the wealthy, and his latest comments sharpen the debate over whether philanthropy alone can address widening inequality. The proposal faces political resistance from billionaires and lawmakers wary of capital flight, while supporters say it would create a more stable funding base than voluntary donations. Watch for whether the idea gains traction in upcoming budget negotiations and how major U.S. tech donors respond.