Full Breakdown
Bill Gates Testifies Before House Oversight Committee on Jeffrey Epstein Ties
6/10/2026, 11:38:53 PM
Closed-Door Testimony on Epstein Contacts
On June 10 2026, Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder and Gates Foundation chair, appeared voluntarily before the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to answer questions about his past interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Background and Context
The Justice Department released three million pages of Epstein files in 2025, showing calendar entries, emails and photos linking Gates to Epstein from 2011-2014, three years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor.
Key Figures and Groups
Key participants include Bill Gates; Jeffrey Epstein; Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-KY); Democratic members Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-PA) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL); and former investigations counsel Jake Greenberg, who assisted Gates in preparation.
Timeline of Interaction
2011 – first meeting; 2012 – two further meetings, including a Norway trip; 2013-14 – donor-advised-fund talks, ending when no funding materialized; March 2026 – Comer’s formal request; June 10 2026 – closed-door interview.
Data and Statistics
The DOJ files contain three million pages; Gates appears in several hundred references. The Gates Foundation’s endowment exceeds $70 billion. Gates reported three 2011 meetings and two in 2012, with further contacts through 2014.
Why It Matters
Lawmakers hope Gates’ testimony will reveal whether Epstein leveraged his network to influence philanthropy or to pressure contacts. The inquiry also tests Gates’ credibility and the reputation of the world’s largest private charitable foundation.
Official Statements and Responses
Chairman Comer said Gates faces no accusations but may have useful information. Democrats Garcia and Subramanyam voiced concern over continued contact after Epstein’s conviction. The Gates Foundation announced an external review and regretted any employee interaction with Epstein.
Criticism and Opposition
Ethics scholars warned that hiring former committee counsel Jake Greenberg to coach Gates creates questionable optics. Democratic members argue the relationship shows poor judgment; Warren Buffett declined comment, saying he does not wish to be a witness.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Draft emails in Epstein’s account allege Gates sought antibiotics to hide an STI and that Epstein attempted blackmail; Gates calls these claims “completely false.” The files show an invitation to Epstein’s private island, but Gates says he never visited. No transcript is yet public.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I hope my testimony is helpful to the work - important work - of the committee to find justice for the victims,” — Bill Gates, reporter briefing
- “I was so focused on the possibility of raising funds for global health that I allowed that goal to override my better judgment.” — Bill Gates, opening statement
- “never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct.” — Bill Gates, testimony
- “I’m glad to be here voluntarily to testify to help with the committee’s work.” — Bill Gates, press remarks
What’s Next
A transcript of Gates’ interview is expected within days. The Gates Foundation plans to brief its board on the external review by summer, and the committee may summon additional witnesses as the Epstein investigation proceeds.
