Why Bill Gates Has Fallen Out of America’s Top 10 Richest for the First Time in Decades

Bill gate

For more than three decades, Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, consistently ranked among America’s top 10 richest individuals. However, in 2025, Gates’ net worth slipped to $107 billion, placing him at #14 on the Forbes 400 list—the first time he has been outside the top tier since 1991.

Why Did Bill Gates Fall Out of the Top 10?

1. Philanthropy and Large Donations

Gates has been one of the most generous billionaires, giving away tens of billions of dollars through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. His long-term pledge to donate most of his wealth has significantly reduced his overall net worth.

2. Divorce Settlement with Melinda French Gates

Following his 2021 divorce, Gates transferred billions to Melinda, further reducing his financial standing compared to other billionaires.

3. Slower Wealth Growth Compared to Tech Peers

While Gates’ fortune remains immense, the explosive growth of tech entrepreneurs like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Larry Ellison has reshaped the billionaire rankings. Their stakes in rapidly growing companies have outpaced the gains in Gates’ more diversified portfolio.

The Bigger Picture

Bill Gates’ decline in the wealth rankings is not due to poor investments but rather his deliberate choice to give away much of his fortune. His commitment to philanthropy stands in contrast to some of his peers who continue to expand their empires.

Despite no longer being among the top 10 richest Americans, Gates’ impact on technology, global health, and philanthropy remains unmatched.

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