Bill Gates trolled after he reveals billionaires' wealth would reduce significantly under his tax system

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Bill Gates, the billionaire philanthropist and co-founder of Microsoft, recently made waves with his comments about the US tax system and the wealth of the ultra-rich.

During a conversation on the Netflix series 'What’s Next? The Future with Bill Gates', Gates shared his views on the wealth disparity in the country, suggesting that the current tax system needs significant reform to address the growing wealth gap, as per Fox Business.

His proposal, however, sparked a wave of online trolling and criticism, with many calling him out for his perceived hypocrisy and lack of self-awareness.

Bill Gates suggests current tax system needs reform to address growing wealth gap

In the episode, Bill Gates candidly addressed the unusual reality of billionaires existing in today’s economy.

He referred to it as a "strange thing" that individuals like himself could be worth staggering sums of money, with some accumulating fortunes of $10 billion, $100 billion, or even more.

Gates then shared a thought-provoking statement: "Under the tax system I would go for, the wealthy would, say, have a third as much money."

While Gates believes his version of the tax system would significantly reduce the wealth of the ultra-rich, he acknowledged that this would not apply universally.

Speaking to Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who has long been a vocal critic of wealth inequality and an advocate for higher taxes on the wealthy, Gates seemed open to more extreme approaches.

Sanders, in response to Gates’ comment, said he would "go a lot further" in his quest for economic equality.

This wasn’t the first time Gates expressed his desire for a more progressive tax system.

In a previous interview with The Independent earlier in September, he reiterated that if he were in charge of designing the US tax system, his fortune would be much smaller.

"If I designed the tax system, I would be tens of billions of dollars poorer than I am," he said, adding that this wouldn’t stifle innovation or discourage people from accomplishing "fantastic things."

He also highlighted his support for the estate tax, which taxes the wealth passed down to heirs, as a way to redistribute wealth.

Bill Gates' comments about a radical tax system spark backlash online

Bill Gates's recent comments about a radical tax system didn’t sit well with everyone.

On Facebook, one person remarked, "Get out your checkbook, Bill, or shut your mouth." Another said, "This guy has lost touch with reality, self awareness has escaped him a long time ago."

"No one is stopping you from giving your own money," wrote one person. Another added, "And they would leave America and stop investing in American companies. In other words he would destroy the country. He’s not a smart person in economics."

One individual wrote, "That's right. These folks are all about higher taxes.... except when they have to pay them." Another pointed out, "Ok do it now... Billy drop 2/3 of your net worth... Then maybe you wouldn't be a hypocrite."

One netizen remarked, "Talk is cheap Bill. Lead by example, start by sending more of your money to the government."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.