Buffett Delays Gates Foundation Donation Pending Epstein Ties Review

Warren Buffett is reportedly postponing his customary mid-year multibillion-dollar donation to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation while awaiting the outcome of an independent review into the foundation’s past connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Monday.

The report said Buffett plans to wait until later this year before deciding whether to proceed with the donation, with the announcement potentially coming alongside his annual Thanksgiving letter. The decision follows growing scrutiny surrounding the Gates Foundation’s historical interactions with Epstein and ongoing efforts to evaluate those connections.

The Gates Foundation has faced renewed attention over Chairman Bill Gates’ past relationship with Epstein. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Justice released emails that included communications between Epstein and members of the Gates Foundation staff, intensifying public interest in the organization’s past dealings.

In response to the controversy, Gates Foundation Chief Executive Officer Mark Suzman commissioned an independent external review to examine the foundation’s previous engagement with Epstein. The review is expected to be completed during the summer, and its findings could influence Buffett’s decision regarding his annual charitable contribution.

Reuters said it could not independently verify the Wall Street Journal report. Representatives for Berkshire Hathaway and the Gates Foundation did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Buffett, the 95-year-old chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has been one of the Gates Foundation’s largest benefactors. Over the past two decades, he has donated more than $47 billion worth of Berkshire Hathaway stock to the organization, making him one of the world's most significant philanthropic contributors.

Bill Gates, the 70-year-old Microsoft co-founder, has faced continued criticism over his past association with Epstein, whose criminal history has drawn widespread public condemnation. Gates has never been accused of any criminal wrongdoing. He has repeatedly expressed regret for meeting Epstein, stating that those interactions were a mistake. Gates has also consistently denied spending time with Epstein’s victims or witnessing any illegal conduct, maintaining that he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities during their association.

The anticipated findings of the independent review are expected to play a key role in determining whether Buffett resumes his long-standing pattern of charitable donations to the Gates Foundation later this year.