Warren Buffett ends donations to Gates Foundation amid Epstein links

Warren Buffett, the 95-year-old chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, has ended his two-decade tradition of donating to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, redirecting his annual mid-year gift of approximately $6 billion in Berkshire shares to four family-run foundations instead. The decision follows revelations about Bill Gates's ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Shift in Philanthropy

Buffett's latest donation comprises 12 million Class B shares, with 9 million going to the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation (named after his late wife) and 1 million each to the Sherwood Foundation, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, and the NoVo Foundation, run by his children Susie, Howard, and Peter respectively. Source: Infobae Since 2006, Buffett had donated over $47 billion to the Gates Foundation, making this a significant break. Source: La República (2)

The Epstein Factor

The change comes after the U.S. Department of Justice released documents in February detailing Gates's interactions with Epstein, including photos and emails between Epstein and Gates Foundation staff. Source: Milenio (2) In June, Gates testified before Congress that he "did not fully understand the scope" of Epstein's crimes. Source: Milenio (1) Buffett himself called the relationship "in bad taste" but said the decision was also driven by his children's readiness to manage the wealth. Source: Milenio (1)

What's Next

Buffett has committed to donating his remaining Berkshire shares—worth about $140 billion—by December 31, 2034. Source: La República (1) His net worth is estimated at $147 billion, and he still holds roughly 14% of Berkshire. The Gates Foundation has not commented.