Bill Gates
Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist called as a witness by Rep. Mace's House Oversight subcommittee over his documented association with Jeffrey Epstein. Gates testified in a closed-door transcribed interview on June 10, 2026 and has stated the meetings were a grave error in judgment.
William Henry Gates III (born October 28, 1955) is the co-founder of Microsoft Corporation and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He is widely regarded as a central figure in the personal-computer revolution and one of the most prominent philanthropists in the world, with the Gates Foundation directing tens of billions of dollars toward global health, poverty reduction, and education.
No committee finding, referral, or allegation of criminal conduct against Bill Gates has been reported. He was called as a witness; he is not accused of wrongdoing.
What Happened
Background. Gates's connection to Jeffrey Epstein became a public issue starting around 2019, when reporting revealed Gates had met with Epstein on multiple occasions beginning in 2011, years after Epstein's 2008 Florida conviction for soliciting prostitution. The New York Times and other outlets reported the meetings were in part connected to Gates's interest in Epstein's claimed philanthropic networks. Gates acknowledged the meetings publicly and described them as mistakes.
February 4, 2026, Mace requests subpoena. Rep. Nancy Mace, chair of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, formally requested a subpoena compelling Bill Gates to testify under oath about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Mace cited DOJ Epstein files that she said referenced 2013 emails involving Gates. In her statement, Mace said: "The American people deserve to know the truth about Jeffrey Epstein's associates and enablers."
June 10, 2026, Closed-door transcribed interview. Gates testified in a closed-door transcribed interview before the House Oversight Committee, lasting approximately six hours. In prepared and spoken statements, Gates addressed his association with Epstein directly.
His statements, as reported:
"Meeting with Epstein was a grave error in judgment and put this work at risk."
"I never witnessed nor had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct. I never went to his island, his ranch, or his Florida home."
"If the time I spent with Epstein lent him any credibility, I am deeply sorry."
Gates stated that the meetings were related to philanthropic discussions and that he came to regret them deeply. His testimony was transcribed; as of publication, no transcript had been publicly released by the committee.
Sources
- Rep. Nancy Mace press release, "Rep. Nancy Mace Demands Bill Gates Testify Under Oath About Relationship With Epstein" (Feb. 4, 2026)
- The Hill, "Mace requests Gates Epstein subpoena" (2026)
- CBS News, "Bill Gates testifies before House Oversight Committee about Jeffrey Epstein" (June 10, 2026)
- Al Jazeera, "Bill Gates testifies in closed-door US House meeting over Epstein ties" (June 10, 2026)