Panel Examines the Impact of Ultrawealthy Influence on Health and Politics
A panel of speakers discussed how the ultrawealthy use charitable giving to gain influence in health care and politics in an event hosted by the Solomon Center for Health Law and Policy. Journalists Sophie Alexander and Tim Schwab were joined by Professor Linsey McGoey of the University of Essex for the event on March 25 titled “Healthwashing the UltraWealthy: Money and Power in Health and Politics.” Yale Health Law & Policy Society (YHeLPS) board member Sam Cai ’26 served as moderator and organizer.
Tim Schwab opened the discussion by examining the Gates Foundation’s actions and role as both a philanthropic and political force. According to Schwab, Bill Gates amplifies his own ideas and secures a place at decision-making tables through philanthropy. Schwab highlighted how taxpayers indirectly fund some of Gates’ initiatives, such as GAVI, a vaccine alliance he founded, which relies on public money.
Sophie Alexander touched on climate change philanthropy, highlighting the paradox of billionaire giving—for example, pledging large donations to environmental causes while simultaneously profiting from industries that drive climate change.
Lindsey McGoey addressed the rise of “philanthrocapitalism,” a term coined to describe the application of business strategies to philanthropy. While this model claims to leverage entrepreneurial expertise for public good, she warned that it often prioritizes private interests over collective welfare. This trend, she argued, has helped increase the political power of the ultrarich under the guise of benevolence.
Schwab closed by advocating for alternative approaches to billionaire-led solutions such as stronger regulations on tech companies and a stronger labor movement. However, he acknowledged that achieving these reforms requires significant political will. He cautioned against the idea that billionaires are the only viable solution to societal problems, emphasizing the need for systemic change to challenge their outsized influence.
The event was co-sponsored by YHeLPS and the American Constitution Society.
