Gates Epstein Inquiry
Bill Gates Testifies Before Congressional Committee on Links to Jeffrey Epstein
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Bill Gates testified before the House Oversight Committee on June 10, 2026, calling his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein a "grave error in judgment." Gates told lawmakers he "never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct," according to Investing.com.
The closed-door session follows the January 2026 release of 3.5 million pages of DOJ documents that named Gates among Epstein's high-profile associates. The testimony marks one of the most scrutinized congressional appearances by a tech billionaire in recent memory, according to Sandhills Express.
Gates Admits Meetings Were a Serious Mistake
Gates met with Epstein at least six times between 2011 and 2014 to discuss a proposed philanthropic fund. Those meetings happened years after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor. Gates told the committee the meetings were a mistake he deeply regrets, according to Sandhills Express.
In February 2026, Gates held a town hall with Gates Foundation staff. He admitted the Epstein tie was a "huge mistake" and disclosed two extramarital affairs from the same period, according to Investing.com. Internal emails also showed Epstein tried to use knowledge of Gates' personal life as leverage.
DOJ Document Dump Forced the Testimony
President Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act in November 2025. The law gave the DOJ 30 days to release all unclassified Epstein files. By January 30, 2026, the department had published over 2,000 videos, 180,000 images, and 3.5 million pages of records naming dozens of powerful figures.
House Oversight Chairman James Comer requested Gates' testimony in March 2026. Comer said the probe examines "how Epstein used his network of powerful men to curry favor and protect his illegal activities." Epstein survivor Annie Farmer called the questioning "fair," noting many people "don't realize how long and personal Epstein and Gates' relationship was."
Gates Foundation Faces Its Biggest Crisis Yet
The Gates Foundation announced a 20% workforce cut in April 2026, eliminating roughly 500 jobs. CEO Mark Suzman said in a staff memo that "the foundation regrets having any employees interact with Epstein in any way." The foundation is also running an independent external review of its Epstein ties, according to Investing.com.
The foundation's annual budget hit a record $9 billion in 2026. Yet its reputation has taken serious hits. Reports say Gates was excluded from the Microsoft CEO Summit this year. The foundation also sold 65% of its Microsoft stock in late 2025. It plans to spend $200 billion and close entirely by 2045.
Political Split Over What the Probe Is Really About
Republicans on the committee framed the hearing as part of a broader look at how the justice system mishandled the Epstein case for years. Democrats, led by Ranking Member Rep. Robert Garcia, pushed for details on how sex-trafficking networks operated and who enabled them. Garcia also accused some Republicans of politicizing the investigation.
Melinda French Gates said the document releases filled her with "unbelievable sadness" and that Epstein questions are for her ex-husband to answer. Charity watchdog Laurie Styron of CharityWatch argued that Gates gave Epstein "unearned credibility" that may have enabled further harm. No criminal charges have been filed against Gates.
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