Buffett Reconsiders Gates Foundation Donations Amid Epstein Revelations

Longtime friends and philanthropists Warren Buffett and Bill Gates face strain in their relationship over Gates' ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:08pm by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Revelations about Jeffrey Epstein's connections to Bill Gates have severely strained the famous friendship between Warren Buffett and the Microsoft co-founder. Buffett told CNBC's Becky Quick that he has not spoken to Gates since the Epstein news came to light and is unsure if he will continue his multi-billion-dollar annual donations to the Gates Foundation.

Why it matters

Buffett and Gates have been close friends and philanthropic partners for decades, with Buffett committing to donate the majority of his wealth to the Gates Foundation. The potential breakdown of this relationship could have major implications for the foundation's future funding and operations.

The details

In a CNBC interview, Buffett said he has not talked to Gates "at all since the whole thing was unveiled" regarding Epstein's ties to the Microsoft co-founder. Buffett added that he will "wait and see what unfolds" before deciding whether to continue his annual donations to the Gates Foundation, which he has been making since 2006. Buffett noted he does not believe "Bill had anything to do with girls or the island or anything like that," but still wants to learn more as revelations continue.

  • In 2006, Buffett wrote to Bill and Melinda Gates that he was "irrevocably committing" to make annual gifts of Berkshire shares to their foundation "throughout my lifetime."
  • Two years ago, Buffett confirmed the Gates Foundation "has no money coming after my death."

The players

Warren Buffett

The legendary investor and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, who has been a close friend and philanthropic partner of Bill Gates for decades.

Bill Gates

The co-founder of Microsoft and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, whose ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have strained his relationship with Buffett.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Until it gets cleared up ... I just don't think it makes sense to do a lot of talking.”

— Warren Buffett

“I'll wait and see what unfolds ... I don't have to make that decision today. And I haven't made it today.”

— Warren Buffett

What’s next

Buffett said he will wait to see what additional information emerges about Gates' relationship with Epstein before deciding whether to continue his annual donations to the Gates Foundation.

The takeaway

The potential breakdown of the Buffett-Gates philanthropic partnership raises concerns about the future funding and operations of the influential Gates Foundation, which has received billions from Buffett over the years.