Buffett omits Gates Foundation from annual donations after Epstein ties disclosed
9 reported2 unconfirmed
Billionaire Warren Buffett omitted the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation from his annual donations this year, following disclosures of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates’ ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Buffett announced Tuesday he will donate about $6 billion to four foundations connected to his own family, without mentioning Gates. He also stated he wants all of his remaining Berkshire Hathaway stock, worth nearly $146 billion, donated to charity by the end of 2034, accelerating a previous plan that would have distributed his fortune after his death. The majority of Buffett’s charitable gifts — worth more than $61 billion — have gone to the Gates Foundation since 2006. Buffett told CNBC in March that he had not spoken to Gates for months, since before the Epstein files were released in fall 2025. Gates has denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and has not been accused of wrongdoing, saying he only met with Epstein to raise money for charitable causes. The Gates Foundation has hired someone to assess its past engagement with Epstein and review its policies for future philanthropic partnerships.
What’s reported
Buffett omitted the Gates Foundation from his annual donations this year after disclosures of Gates’ ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
He will donate about $6 billion to four foundations connected to his own family, without mentioning Gates.
Buffett wants all his remaining Berkshire Hathaway stock (worth nearly $146 billion) donated to charity by December 31, 2034.
Previously, the plan was for his three children to distribute his fortune within 10 years of his death.
The majority of Buffett’s charitable gifts — over $61 billion — have gone to the Gates Foundation since 2006.
Buffett told CNBC in March he had not talked to Gates for months since before the Epstein files were released in fall 2025.
Gates denies any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and has not been accused of wrongdoing.
The Gates Foundation hired someone in March to assess its past engagement with Epstein and review its policies.
Epstein was found dead in August 2019; his death was ruled a suicide.
Open questions
The specific reasons Buffett decided to omit the Gates Foundation this year beyond the Epstein ties disclosure.
The outcome of the Gates Foundation’s internal investigation into its engagement with Epstein.
Key figures
Warren Buffett, billionaire investor and Berkshire Hathaway chairman
Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder
Jeffrey Epstein, convicted sex offender (deceased)
Greg Abel, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway
Peter Flaherty, individual who presented a resolution at a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting
Sources: abcnews.com
