Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, acknowledged making a “grave error in judgment” by meeting with Jeffrey Epstein. During his testimony before lawmakers, he denied any wrongdoing. Gates explained that while he regretted ever meeting Epstein, he never noticed any criminal behavior during their interactions.
Gates spoke to the House Oversight Committee in a closed session, responding to a request from Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer. Comer had called Gates to testify after seeing his name in documents from the Justice Department’s inquiry into Epstein.
Gates arrived at the Capitol voluntarily, stating he hoped his testimony would aid in achieving justice for Epstein’s victims. He refrained from taking questions after his testimony concluded.
Gates, who leads the Gates Foundation, refuted any implication of involvement in Epstein’s crimes. He made it clear their meetings, which he described as a mistake, were solely to discuss philanthropy.
Interactions and Testimony
According to Gates, their relationship began in 2011 after Epstein’s guilty plea in 2008. Gates believed Epstein’s assurances of raising significant funds for global health projects, but they parted ways in 2014 when those promises went unfulfilled.
The released files contained meeting records, emails discussing philanthropy, and photos of Gates at events with Epstein. Gates stated he never visited Epstein’s infamous properties and did not engage in personal relationships with him.
Reactions were mixed; some lawmakers found Gates cooperative, while others described him as combative. Gates reiterated that the narrow relationship with Epstein was intended to garner funds for his foundation, not to develop any deep personal bond.
The Gates Foundation clarified that while a few employees interacted with Epstein, it did not lead to any charitable collaborations or financial transactions.
Ongoing Epstein Investigation
Epstein faced federal charges in 2019 related to sex trafficking of minors. He was accused of organizing a network for sexual exploitation from 2002 to 2005. He died in 2019 before standing trial. The case implicated several powerful figures from various industries, many of whom have denied wrongdoing.
In a similar closed-door session, former President Bill Clinton answered questions about his past connections with Epstein. Though Epstein had frequented the White House and flew with Clinton, the former president denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities.
Efforts to gather testimony from President Donald Trump regarding his known friendship with Epstein are ongoing, though no evidence of illegal conduct during their association has surfaced. The committee also indicated its intention to question attorney Alan Dershowitz and has consulted with the Justice Department about Act. Attorney General Todd Blanche.