Bill Gates told the World Economic Forum that countries, companies and individuals who have the most "should be pushed to be more generous."

Bill Gates wants ultra-wealthy individuals to pay more tax — and now a growing chorus of billionaires agree.

In his annual “Ask Me Anything” forum on Reddit last year, the Microsoft cofounder said he was “surprised” that taxes for the rich haven’t been increased more.

Gates doubled down on his calls to tax the rich in a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. He said the wealthiest nations should donate more money to developing countries to help redress inequality.

“Those who have the most — whether it’s countries, companies, or individuals — should be pushed to be more generous,” he said.

It seems others agree, as more than 250 ultra-wealthy people signed an open letter calling for global leaders to impose a wealth tax.

  • Wogi@lemmy.world
    17·
    10 months ago

    No this is a PR campaign to make you think Bill Gates is “one of the good ones”

    Lobbying is when they’re paying people to go to Congress and say ‘hey the wealthy should have their taxes cut some more’

    • KevonLooney@lemm.ee
      7·
      10 months ago

      Do you think a random lobbyist will get more attention in Congress than one of the richest men in the world? Stop thinking like a poor person.

      Bill Gates can have his secretary set up a phone call with any congressperson or senator in a few hours. Less if they really need money. He could literally ask them to set it up in a few hours, and go to the spa expecting for it to be ready when he gets out. He is the lobbyist.

      • Wogi@lemmy.world
        12·
        10 months ago

        Lobbyists for hire are a) generally well known to Congress people, these are people that spend their entire day working directly with representatives to push an agenda. And b) are very frequently former representatives. Yes, they absolutely get more attention than any individual billionaire it is literally their job to talk to Congress on behalf of people. Lobbyists can be more experienced at maneuvering Congress than your average representative.

        Gates doesn’t have to make that phone call, he never has to go to Congress, because there’s a team of lobbyists who work directly for him that are well known in DC, and any representative is going to know that when this lobbyist asks for something, it’s Bill Gates asking.