Loading…
9 sources·Started 14d ago·Updated 12d ago
Buffett ends Gates Foundation donations after Epstein ties
Warren BuffettBill GatesGates FoundationBerkshire HathawayJeffrey EpsteinSusan Thompson Buffett FoundationSherwood FoundationHoward G. Buffett Foundation
Sources
9outlets
ANFBCNBBTGCN
Coverage
12articles
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett omitted the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation from his annual charitable donations for the first time in two decades, donating about $6 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock exclusively to four family-run foundations. Source: AP News
The Decision
Buffett said the decision was driven by his belief that his three children — Susie, Howard, and Peter — are ready to take over distributing his fortune, but he also acknowledged that he extensively reviewed Bill Gates' ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Source: CNBC "While it's distasteful, while he made mistakes, I made mistakes," Buffett told CNBC, adding that he found "nothing in there that was beyond what I could picture myself doing." Source: Fox Business
Accelerated Timeline
Buffett also accelerated his giving timeline, aiming to dispose of all his remaining Berkshire shares by the end of 2034 — earlier than the previous plan of 10 years after his death. Source: BBC His remaining stake is worth roughly $140 billion. Source: The Guardian
Background
Since 2006, Buffett had donated over $47 billion in Berkshire stock to the Gates Foundation. Source: AP News Gates has expressed regret for associating with Epstein but denied knowledge of his crimes. He testified before the U.S. House Oversight Committee in June 2026, calling the meetings a "huge mistake." Source: CNN
Buffett and Gates, once close friends, have not spoken extensively since details of Gates' Epstein ties emerged. Source: CNBC
Story timeline · 7 earlier headlines
- Buffett Omits Gates Foundation From Annual Donations14d ago · 4 sources
- Warren Buffett Ends Donations to Gates Foundation Over Epstein Ties13d ago · 4 sources
- Warren Buffett Excludes Gates Foundation from $6 Billion Donation, Accelerates Philanthropy13d ago · 5 sources
- Warren Buffett Excludes Gates Foundation from Annual Donations, Shifts Focus to Family Foundations13d ago · 4 sources
- Warren Buffett ends annual donations to Bill Gates Foundation after Epstein ties disclosure13d ago · 5 sources
- Buffett omits Gates Foundation from annual donations after Epstein ties13d ago · 5 sources
- Buffett omits Gates Foundation from donations, calls Epstein ties 'distasteful'12d ago · 6 sources
- Buffett ends Gates Foundation donations after Epstein tiescurrent
Sources
6 quotesAP News↗
“Billionaire Warren Buffett said Wednesday that his decision to cut the Gates Foundation out of his charitable giving is more about believing his three kids are ready to handle giving away his entire fortune than it is about Bill Gates' ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.”
Fox Business↗
“"While it's distasteful, while he made mistakes, I made mistakes, hiring all kinds of people, or choosing friends, and then finding out later that, one way or other, they weren't what I thought they were," Buffett said.”
CNBC↗
“"I read a great deal since January 1 in terms of what happened, with Bill and Epstein," Buffett said in an interview with CNBC's Becky Quick.”
BBC↗
“"Of course, mortality is unpredictable," said Buffett. "But my remaining shares will be donated to the four foundations one way or the other by 31 December, 2034."”
The Guardian↗
“Buffett also said in his statement that he wants all of his remaining Berkshire Hathaway stock worth more than $140bn donated to charity by the end of 2034.”
CNN↗
“Gates testified before a House committee last month that he had no knowledge of Epstein's crimes.”