In a story that continues to draw laughs and raise eyebrows, Bill Gates recounted some remarkable and awkward interactions with former President Donald Trump, shedding light on their unique dynamic and Trump’s peculiar behavior.
The narrative became widely discussed after MSNBC host Chris Hayes unearthed and shared a clip of Gates detailing these encounters.
During two separate meetings—once at Trump Tower in 2016 and again at the White House in 2017—Trump asked Gates if there was a difference between HIV and HPV. Gates explained the distinction, pointing out that these two viruses are rarely confused.
While this might be an understandable question for a young student, hearing it from a sitting president was both shocking and humorous. Gates later noted how “scary” it was that such a basic question was being asked by someone in Trump’s position.
Trump’s behavior during these interactions also showcased his well-known need for attention and status. Gates recalled a moment when Trump, after briefly speaking to Gates’s daughter Jennifer at an event, left in a car only to return by helicopter for a grander entrance. Gates humorously pointed out how this seemed like an orchestrated attempt to impress.
One particularly uncomfortable moment arose when Trump appeared to know an unsettling amount about Jennifer Gates’s appearance. Gates described how this made both him and his wife, Melinda, uneasy. Coming from someone with Trump’s controversial reputation, the remarks struck a nerve.
In their conversations, Trump also raised concerns about vaccines, influenced by anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Trump suggested forming a commission to investigate supposed negative effects of vaccines. Gates, known for his global health initiatives, likely found this line of thought troubling but managed to steer the conversation back to innovation and healthcare.
Gates shared that even before officially meeting Trump, he had actively avoided him during an earlier event. However, after Trump’s election, a meeting became inevitable. Gates’s interactions with Trump ultimately convinced him that working with the administration—such as serving as a science adviser—would not be a good use of his time.
These anecdotes highlight a mix of humor, awkwardness, and unease, painting a vivid picture of Gates’s interactions with Trump. The story of the HIV vs. HPV question continues to be a symbol of the stark differences in their understanding of critical issues, fueling public discussion about Trump’s leadership style and Gates’s pragmatic approach to global challenges.
