Warren Buffett has postponed his annual donation to the Gates Foundation, pending the results of an internal review into the foundation's connections with the late Jeffrey Epstein, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal cited by CNBC World [1]. This marks the first time in two decades that Buffett has delayed his customary summer donation, which typically consists of Berkshire Hathaway stock and is part of a 'lifetime' pledge totaling over $43 billion since 2006 [1]. The findings of the review are expected this summer, and a final decision on the donation could be announced in Buffett's annual Thanksgiving letter [1].
The report states that Buffett and his associates have been in contact with Gates Foundation leadership, including CEO Mark Suzman, to gather information about Epstein's ties to the organization and the ongoing review [1]. The Gates Foundation was co-founded by Bill Gates and his ex-wife Melinda Gates [1].
The scrutiny follows revelations that Bill Gates became friends with Epstein in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting an underage girl for prostitution [1]. Documents released by the Department of Justice and Congress since late 2025 have included emails and photos detailing the Gates-Epstein relationship [1]. In testimony to the House Oversight Committee on June 10, Gates described his meetings with Epstein as a 'grave error in judgment,' denied witnessing or participating in criminal activity, and stated he only learned of Epstein's sex offender status in 2018 after media reports [1].
Buffett told CNBC in March that he had not spoken to Bill Gates since the Epstein files were released, expressing reluctance to be involved until the situation is clarified, saying, 'I think until it gets cleared up, it doesn't make sense to do a lot of talking' [1].
CONCLUSION
Warren Buffett's decision to delay his annual donation to the Gates Foundation introduces uncertainty for one of the world's largest philanthropic organizations. The outcome of the ongoing review into Epstein ties could have significant reputational and operational implications for the foundation. Market observers are awaiting the review's findings, expected this summer, for further clarity.