Buffett Critiques Gates' Epstein Links, yet Maintains Charity Support

WHO:

Fast Company - Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Jeffrey Epstein

AP - Buffett's three children: Howard, Susie, and Peter

WHAT:

Fast Company - Buffett stated that Gates' association with Epstein was “distasteful.”

Fast Company - Buffett announced plans to cut off donations to the Gates Foundation after his death.

Fast Company - Buffett plans to donate all of his $140 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to family-associated foundations.

Fast Company - Buffett aims to distribute his fortune by the end of 2034, increasing annual donations to over $17 billion.

AP - Buffett currently donates roughly $6 billion annually to various foundations.

WHERE:

Fast Company - Buffett's discussions with Gates took place in Omaha.

WHEN:

Fast Company - Buffett stated he read about Gates' ties to Epstein since January 1.

Fast Company - Buffett revealed plans to distribute his fortune by the end of 2034.

Fast Company - The Gates Foundation plans to close in 2045.

WHY:

Fast Company - Buffett's decision to cut the Gates Foundation from his charitable giving is based on his belief that his children are ready to handle the distribution of his fortune.

Fast Company - Gates met with Epstein to potentially raise money for charitable causes, unaware of Epstein's crimes.

HOW:

Fast Company - Buffett plans to create a new foundation after his death to distribute the rest of his shares, requiring unanimous agreement from his children on donations.

(UPDATED July 15, 2026 20:27 UTC)

Warren Buffett has expressed his disapproval of Bill Gates' association with Jeffrey Epstein, calling it “distasteful,” and has announced plans to cut off donations to the Gates Foundation after his death. Buffett intends to donate all of his $140 billion in Berkshire Hathaway stock to family-associated foundations, aiming to distribute his fortune by the end of 2034 and increasing his annual donations to over $17 billion. He plans to establish a new foundation posthumously, which will require unanimous agreement from his children, Howard, Susie, and Peter, on how to handle the donations.