Microsoft founder Bill Gates is no longer among America’s 10 richest people. Once a perennial fixture at the top of wealth rankings, Bill Gates has seen his net worth slip significantly. The billionaire philanthropist’s ranking on the 2023 list of America’s wealthiest individuals has dropped to No. 9, marking a significant decline from his previous position of No.6. For stats — nearly 20 years, beginning in 1990, Bill Gates consistently ranked as either the richest or second-richest individual on the list of America’s wealthiest people.
The reasons behind the ‘fall’ in ranking
A major factor contributing to this drop is his 2021 divorce from Melinda French Gates. The divorce settlement, estimated to be worth nearly triple the initial figure, has significantly impacted Gates’ net worth. Melinda French Gates, who has received a substantial portion of the settlement, is now among the richest women in the United States.
The estimate of the divorce settlement is nearly tripling the initial figure. Based on new information about Bill Gates’ current fortune, Melinda French Gates’ net worth is now estimated at $29 billion, up from $10.3 billion a year ago. This makes her the ninth-richest woman in the US.
Bill Gates did see his ranking fall
While Gates’ net worth has decreased, he remains committed to philanthropic endeavors. His foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, continues to focus on global health and development, though questions have arisen about its future direction without Melinda’s leadership.
In media interactions, Gates has acknowledged that his wealth ranking would likely decline over time. Gates also reportedly said that there is possibility that he and Melinda might not continue working together but affirmed that the Gates Foundation is set to operate for another 25 years.
Melinda French Gates, with her new foundation, Pivotal Ventures, is concentrating on empowering women and families.