Full Breakdown
Warren Buffett Holds Mid-Year Gift to Gates Foundation Pending Epstein Review
6/30/2026, 12:03:10 PM
Buffett Pauses Mid-Year Gift
Warren Buffett, 95, is not making his customary mid-year transfer of Berkshire Hathaway stock to the Gates Foundation for the first time in nearly two decades. Sources say he will decide later, possibly with his Thanksgiving letter, after an external review of the foundation’s past ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is completed.
Epstein Review Triggered by Foundation Controversy
The U.S. Department of Justice released emails showing communication between Gates Foundation staff and Epstein, prompting the foundation to commission an independent assessment. Bill Gates’s prior meetings with Epstein have drawn public scrutiny, and the foundation hired law firm WilmerHale to conduct the review, with findings expected in the summer.
Key Figures & Groups
Key participants include Warren Buffett (Berkshire Hathaway chairman), Bill Gates (Microsoft co-founder and foundation chair), Mark Suzman (foundation CEO), law firm WilmerHale, and the late Jeffrey Epstein.
Data & Statistics
Since 2006 Buffett has donated over $47 billion (some reports $48 billion) in Berkshire stock to the foundation, averaging about $4.5 billion annually; the 2025 gift is on hold. He stepped down as a trustee in 2021 after Bill and Melinda French Gates’s divorce.
Official Statements & Responses
The Gates Foundation said CEO Mark Suzman commissioned the review, now being conducted by WilmerHale with a summer release target. Bill Gates expressed regret for his meetings with Epstein, stressing they were philanthropic and that he never witnessed criminal conduct. Buffett told a March interview he has not spoken with Gates since the DOJ-released files and wants more information before deciding on his donation.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics cite the foundation’s “mired” controversy over its Epstein ties, saying the review is needed to restore donor confidence. The delayed gift highlights heightened reputational risk.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Donation totals differ ($47 billion vs $48 billion). The review’s release is only described as “summer.” Berkshire Hathaway and the Gates Foundation did not respond to Reuters.
Verbatim Quotes
- “REUTERS/Rick Wilking June 29 - Warren Buffett is skipping his usual mid-year multibillion-dollar donation to the Gates Foundation as he waits to see the findings of a review by the foundation of its ties to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.” — *Wall Street Journal* (reported Monday)
- “The foundation has been mired in controversy due to Chairman Bill Gates' association with Epstein.” — *Article* (source 1)
- “He has repeatedly expressed regret for having anything to do with Epstein and has denied spending time with victims of Epstein's sexual abuse, saying he never witnessed criminal conduct by Epstein.” — Bill Gates (as reported)
- “In a March interview, Buffett said he had not spoken with Gates since the files were made public and wanted to learn more before deciding on his annual donation.” — Warren Buffett (March interview)
What’s Next
The review’s conclusions are slated for release later this summer. Buffett’s final decision on the mid-year contribution is expected to be announced alongside his Thanksgiving letter, potentially shaping future philanthropic flows to the Gates Foundation.
