时间:2025-04-26 18:14:47 来源:网络整理编辑:綜合
In a March meeting with Bill Gates, President Trump reportedly asked the billionaire philanthropist
In a March meeting with Bill Gates, President Trump reportedly asked the billionaire philanthropist if he wanted the prestigious job of White House science advisor, a role that's been left unfilled up to this point.
Apparently, without hesitation, Gates declined the proposition, according to Stat News, which recently sat down with Gates to discuss the rather unsettling possibility of another virulent global flu pandemic. (In 1918-1919, a now common strain of flu killed as many as 50 million people worldwide.)
SEE ALSO:You're more likely to get the flu from a sick flight attendant than a sick passenger: studyAfter getting Trump excited about the potential of a universal flu vaccine — which Gates hopes innovative scientists will achieve with his financial backing — Gates is said to have asked why the president still hadn't filled the important position of White House science advisor.
“I mentioned: ‘Hey, maybe we should have a science advisor',” said Gates.
In response, Trump asked if Gates wanted the job, to which Gates replied, "That's not a good use of my time."
That's a diplomatic, if not completely honest response. Gates is a lot of things: a computer programmer, philanthropist, celebrity, businessman, etc. But he's not technically a scientist.
Mashable contacted the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for confirmation that the event took place, and will update this story upon hearing back.
In any case, there's little doubt the intelligent Gates understands much about the realms of sciences that he's actively engaged in — notably vaccines and public health — but the science advisor vacancy is surely better filled by a practicing scientist. The last scientific advisor to grace the White House, John Holdren, served President Obama for eight years. Following Obama's departure, Holdren returned to his post at Harvard University, where he is a professor of environmental science and policy in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences.
Trump is the first president in more than half a century, since President John F. Kennedy, who hasn't nominated a science advisor in the first year of his term. It's unknown whether Trump will ever nominate anyone, though it would likely be to his benefit. While president, Trump has failed to recognize that weather and climate are substantially different phenomena, for instance.
Gates called the meeting "the longest conversation about universal flu vaccine that the president’s ever had." So, perhaps the president — who still has no science advisor — came to better recognize the benefits of the sciences, particularly those in the public health realm, to greater society. Perhaps.
A flu pandemic, according to the CDC, is what happens when a new flu strain leads to a global outbreak, which is what humanity experienced in 1918-1919. Since our bodies have never encountered the bug before, we have little to no immune defense. A universal vaccine — still just a medical hope for scientists around the world — could dramatically limit a new pathogen's ability to overtake our hapless bodies.
“One thing’s for sure: No matter what your framework is, even if it’s that human benefits outside the country count for zero, stopping pandemics is a smart thing,” said Gates.
TopicsHealthDonald TrumpPolitics
This coloring book is here for all your relationship goals2025-04-26 18:12
'The Little Mermaid' is Disney+'s most streamed film premiere2025-04-26 18:09
Best Prime Day printer deals of 2023 start at $992025-04-26 18:01
Apple Watch Ultra 2 deal: Save $70 via Best Buy Drops2025-04-26 17:56
This app is giving streaming TV news a second try2025-04-26 17:43
'Perpetrator' review: Alicia Silverstone hits surreal heights in feminist horror film2025-04-26 17:28
What are Meta's AI Personas, and how do you chat with them?2025-04-26 17:14
YouTube demonetizes Russell Brand's channel following allegations2025-04-26 17:04
Two astronauts just installed a new parking spot on the International Space Station2025-04-26 16:54
Best Blink Outdoor deal: Get a certified refurbished two2025-04-26 16:22
Whyd voice2025-04-26 17:58
Apple Music Favorites are a thing in iOS 17.12025-04-26 17:39
Apple admits there's an iPhone 15 setup bug. Here's how to fix it.2025-04-26 17:38
We may not get new MacBooks in 2023. But here’s the next possible launch.2025-04-26 17:27
Samsung Galaxy Note7 teardown reveals the magic behind the phone's iris scanner2025-04-26 17:16
Best Blink Outdoor deal: Get a certified refurbished two2025-04-26 16:58
Grab a TCL 552025-04-26 16:33
GTA is heading to Netflix? The streaming giant is reportedly in talks to license it2025-04-26 16:06
PlayStation Now game streaming is coming to PC2025-04-26 15:58
Best Max deal: Get Max's free Bleacher Report live sports add2025-04-26 15:30