Trump Announces Potential Visit from Bill Gates

By Tim Reid
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Donald Trump revealed that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has requested to visit him at the president-elect's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida on Friday night.

In a Truth Social post on Friday morning, Trump mentioned his Mar-a-Lago home, stating, "Bill Gates asked to come, tonight. We miss you and x! New Year's Eve is going to be AMAZING!!! DJT." He did not provide any further details.

Emails and calls to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation regarding a possible visit went unanswered.

Despite having criticized Trump previously, especially over the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gates congratulated Trump on his Nov. 5 election victory and expressed a desire to collaborate.

Several major U.S. tech companies have pledged donations to Trump's inaugural fund, hoping to foster better relations with the incoming Republican president ahead of his inauguration on Jan. 20.

In November, Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Meta has contributed $1 million to Trump's inaugural fund, as confirmed by a company spokesperson on Dec. 12.

Other tech firms donating $1 million to his inaugural fund include Amazon and Uber Technologies.