Elon Musk has once again publicly questioned Bill Gates’s technical expertise, arguing that the Microsoft co-founder’s intelligence in the sciences may be highly overrated. Speaking during a recent podcast, Musk noted that, despite Gates’s history as the founder of one of the world’s largest technology companies, his direct interactions revealed gaps in scientific understanding. “He is not strong in the sciences,” Musk said, referencing prior conversations.

Musk highlighted Gates’s skepticism about Tesla’s long-range Semi truck, which Gates had claimed was “physically impossible” despite operational prototypes already deployed by companies like Pepsi. The comment underscores Musk’s ongoing frustration with Gates’s public positions on Tesla technology, renewable energy, AI regulation, and climate initiatives.

The exchange is part of a broader, years-long feud between the two tech figures that escalated in 2023 after Gates reportedly shorted Tesla stock. Disagreements have continued through 2025 and into 2026, spanning not only business and investment disagreements but also divergent perspectives on philanthropy, global technology priorities, and the management of climate and AI risks.

Supporters of Musk view his critique as a pointed reminder that technological leadership does not always equate to mastery of scientific principles. For critics of Gates, the public statements may be seen as part of a broader debate over influence, authority, and the role of billionaires in shaping science and innovation policy.