Warren Buffett Delays Annual Gates Foundation Donation Amid Epstein Review

Berkshire Hathaway chairman Warren Buffett has postponed his customary mid‑year contribution of Berkshire shares to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, marking the first interruption since the donation program began in 2006. The $48 billion‑worth of annual gifts is on hold while the foundation conducts an independent review of its historic ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The review, led by law firm WilmerHale, is expected to conclude in the summer. Buffett, who has donated roughly $48 billion to the charity since 2006, said he has not spoken to Bill Gates since Department of Justice files about Epstein were released and wants to avoid becoming a potential witness. Gates has publicly apologized for his meetings with Epstein, describing the relationship as “a huge mistake,” and testified before Congress about it. The Gates Foundation has also faced internal scrutiny, including a staff layoff and a severance of ties with advisory firm Arabella Advisors. Buffett’s final decision may be announced later this year, possibly in his annual Thanksgiving letter.