Buffett Suspends Donations to Gates Foundation Over Epstein Links
WHO:
CNN - Warren Buffett, 95 years old, stated he has “every hope” that his three children will dispose of all his shares in Berkshire Hathaway by December 31, 2034.
NY Post - Warren Buffett, billionaire and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway
ABC News Business - Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft
WHAT:
CNN - Buffett has directed nearly $6 billion in shares of Berkshire Hathaway to four foundations related to his own family this year.
Inc - Buffett has broken a 20-year philanthropic tradition by cutting the Gates Foundation from receiving his annual mid-year donation.
NY Post - Buffett is donating about $6 billion of Berkshire Hathaway, comprising 12 million Class B shares, in his annual mid-year donation to four family foundations.
ABC News Business - Buffett omitted Bill Gates' foundation from his annual donations this year.
WHY:
CNN - Buffett is withholding his usual donation to the Gates Foundation as he waits for the conclusion of a review by outside attorneys hired by the charity regarding ties between the foundation and Jeffrey Epstein.
ABC News Business - The omission occurred after disclosures of Gates' ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
HOW:
CNN - Buffett expressed that he does not want to be called to testify about Epstein’s ties to Gates, stating, “I don’t want to be under oath.”
(UPDATED July 14, 2026 20:20 UTC)
Warren Buffett, at 95 years old, has expressed optimism that his three children will sell all of his shares in Berkshire Hathaway by December 31, 2034. This year, he has directed nearly $6 billion in shares of the company to four family-related foundations, while withholding his usual donation to the Gates Foundation as he awaits the outcome of a review concerning the charity's ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Buffett has made it clear that he prefers not to be called to testify about these connections, stating, “I don’t want to be under oath.”
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(UPDATED July 14, 2026 19:25 UTC)
In a significant shift, Buffett has decided to break a 20-year philanthropic tradition by cutting the Gates Foundation from receiving his annual mid-year donation. This marks a notable change in his giving strategy, which has consistently included the foundation for two decades. The decision has sparked interest in how it may impact the foundation's future initiatives and funding.
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(UPDATED July 14, 2026 18:21 UTC)
Warren Buffett, the billionaire CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, is donating approximately $6 billion, which includes 12 million Class B shares, to four family foundations in his annual mid-year donation. Notably, this year Buffett has omitted Bill Gates' foundation from his donations, a decision that follows recent disclosures regarding Gates' connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This marks a significant shift in Buffett's philanthropic efforts, highlighting the complexities surrounding charitable contributions.