Bill Gates to face questions about Jeffrey Epstein from House Oversight panel

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, is scheduled to testify before a House committee on Wednesday regarding his controversial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. This high-profile appearance marks a significant moment in the ongoing investigation by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee into Epstein's extensive network of influential acquaintances. Gates' testimony follows the committee's recent questioning of Epstein's former executive assistant, Lesley Groff. Rep. James Comer, the Republican chair of the committee from Kentucky, indicated that all topics would be open for discussion. "He seems like he's — according to his attorneys — I wouldn't say eager to testify, but he's willing to testify, and he hasn't fought it. And I appreciate that," Comer stated. Gates and Epstein reportedly became friends in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty in a Florida case for soliciting an underage girl for prostitution, serving a mere 13 months in prison. Epstein's life ended in a jailhouse suicide in August 2019, shortly after being arrested on federal charges related to child sex trafficking. The relationship between Gates and Epstein gained renewed scrutiny in late 2025 with the release of documents by the Department of Justice and Congress. It is important to note that Gates has not been accused of any illegal activities connected to Epstein. The Gates Foundation has been approached for comment regarding Gates' upcoming testimony. Reports indicate that Gates is preparing for the hearing with assistance from Jake Greenberg, who previously served as the chief investigations counsel for the oversight committee. A spokesperson for Gates remarked in March that he is ready to cooperate with the committee. "While he never witnessed or participated in any of Epstein's illegal conduct, he is looking forward to answering all the committee's questions to support their important work," the spokesperson said. In February, Gates expressed regret during a town hall at the Gates Foundation, acknowledging his association with Epstein and admitting to past affairs with two Russian women, which Epstein had become aware of. "I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit," Gates asserted during the session. However, he also called his decision to spend time with Epstein a "huge mistake" and extended apologies to those affected by his association. The Gates Foundation has announced that it is conducting an external review of its previous ties with Epstein, expecting to update its board and management by this summer. Notably, Warren Buffett, the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and a long-time friend of Gates, shared that he has not spoken to Gates since the Epstein documents were made public, expressing a desire to avoid becoming involved in the situation. Buffett characterized Epstein as a con artist who took advantage of others' vulnerabilities and has donated over $43 billion to the Gates Foundation since 2006.