Warren Buffett postpones mid-year donation to Gates Foundation amid Epstein probe

Berkshire Hathaway chairman Warren Buffett announced he will delay his customary mid‑year contribution to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, marking the first postponement in two decades. The decision follows renewed investigations into Bill Gates’ past interactions with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The Gates Foundation said an external review of its prior engagement with Epstein is underway and that no funds were ever transferred to the convicted sex offender.

Buffett, who has donated about $48 billion to charities over 20 years—including a record $6 billion in June of last year—said he has not spoken with Gates since the revelations and wants to avoid any appearance of being a witness. He warned that Congress may scrutinize tax‑exempt charities, suggesting the delay could extend until his Thanksgiving letter.

The founder’s statement emphasized that the foundation did not pursue any partnership with Epstein and that the review’s findings will be shared with its board this summer.