The Gates Foundation has confirmed it is launching an external review of its historical connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This move represents the nonprofit's most direct action to date in addressing associations that have prompted questions, as its co-founder Bill Gates comes under increasing scrutiny due to references in Justice Department documents linked to the investigation of the disgraced financier.
Foundation Confirms Review Amid Growing Pressure
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Gates Foundation announced that CEO Mark Suzman commissioned the external review in March, with support from chair Bill Gates and independent Governing Board members. The review aims to assess past foundation engagement with Epstein and evaluate current policies for vetting and developing new philanthropic partnerships. This internal memo was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Bill Gates Addresses Relationship Publicly
Microsoft founder Bill Gates reportedly spoke candidly about his relationship with Epstein during a February town hall at the foundation he co-founded with his ex-wife, Melinda French Gates. The foundation acknowledged in a February statement that a small number of employees met with Epstein based on his claims that he could mobilize significant philanthropic resources for global health and development. However, they never created a fund together, and the foundation made no financial payments to Epstein.
The Justice Department's files include email correspondence between Gates and Epstein about philanthropic projects, calendar entries documenting meeting dates, and photos of Gates at events attended by both men. Gates has not been accused of any wrongdoing regarding their connection, denies knowledge of Epstein's crimes, and claims they met only to discuss philanthropy. The foundation stated, "The foundation regrets having any employees interact with Epstein in any way."
Buffett Adopts Wait-and-See Approach
Investor Warren Buffett, one of the Gates Foundation's earliest and most ardent supporters, is closely following the disclosures. Buffett, who donates a portion of his annual Berkshire Hathaway shares to the nonprofit, told CNBC's "Squawk Box" last month that it is clear "there was a lot I didn't know." He resigned as the foundation's trustee in 2021 but has continued his annual donations around the end of June.
Buffett said he will "wait and see what unfolds" in the Justice Department's documents and congressional hearings on their contents. He noted the foundation is "sitting" on a large endowment totaling $86 billion and said Gates has "plenty of his own money." Regarding the extensive Epstein files, Buffett remarked, "And there's three and a half million, or whatever it is pages – I mean, it is astounding."
Foundation Undergoes Structural Changes
The philanthropic giant is already undergoing a period of significant change. In January, the Gates Foundation shared plans to cap operating costs and incrementally cut as many as 500 positions, or about 20% of its staff, by 2030. This follows last year's announcement that the foundation would close in 2045, earlier than previously expected.
A Gates Foundation spokesperson described Buffett as "an extraordinarily generous partner" for nearly two decades in a statement to The Associated Press on Wednesday. "We are deeply grateful for his support, which has enabled us to accelerate progress on some of the world's toughest challenges that would not otherwise have been possible," the spokesperson said.
Review Timeline and Expectations
The Gates Foundation expects its board and management will receive an update on the Epstein review this summer. The third-party investigators conducting the review have not been publicly named. This external assessment comes as the foundation continues its global work on reducing preventable maternal and child deaths and combating infectious diseases, aiming to maintain transparency and integrity amid the ongoing scrutiny.
