OMAHA, Neb. — Warren Buffett has postponed his customary midyear multibillion-dollar donation to the Gates Foundation while awaiting the outcome of an independent review examining the foundation’s past interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a report published Monday by The Wall Street Journal.
The report said Buffett is expected to defer any decision on this year’s donation until later in 2026, potentially announcing his plans in his traditional Thanksgiving letter. The newspaper cited people familiar with the billionaire investor’s thinking.
Reuters was unable to independently verify the report. Berkshire Hathaway and the Gates Foundation did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The review was commissioned by Gates Foundation Chief Executive Officer Mark Suzman to examine the organization’s historical engagement with Epstein after renewed scrutiny over the foundation’s past contacts. The findings are expected later this summer.
The Gates Foundation has faced persistent questions because of Chairman Bill Gates’ relationship with Epstein, whose criminal convictions and death in custody have continued to generate public attention. Earlier this year, emails released by the U.S. Department of Justice showed communications between Epstein and members of the Gates Foundation staff, further intensifying scrutiny.
Buffett, 95, has been one of the foundation’s largest benefactors, donating more than $47 billion worth of Berkshire Hathaway stock over the past two decades as part of his long-standing commitment to philanthropy.
The reported delay would mark a departure from Buffett’s typical practice of making large annual donations during the middle of the year.
Bill Gates, 70, has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. He has repeatedly acknowledged that meeting Epstein was a mistake and has expressed regret over the relationship.
Gates has consistently denied participating in or witnessing any criminal conduct by Epstein and has said he never spent time with victims of Epstein’s sexual abuse.
The Gates Foundation’s independent review is expected to determine whether any changes to governance or institutional practices are warranted following its past contacts with Epstein.
