Key facts
- Bill Gates is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
- The committee is investigating the Justice Department's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
- Gates's past relationship and meetings with Epstein are under scrutiny following the release of Justice Department documents.
- Gates has stated his meetings with Epstein were solely for philanthropy discussions and has expressed regret over the association.
- The Gates Foundation has initiated an external review of its past engagement with Epstein.
Bill Gates is scheduled to testify privately before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Wednesday as part of its investigation into the Justice Department's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. The probe, prompted by the release of millions of internal documents, focuses on potential federal mismanagement in cases against Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
Committee Chairman James Comer requested Gates's testimony after his name and photographs appeared in the recently released files. Gates has stated that his meetings with Epstein, which occurred after Epstein's 2008 prison term, were confined to philanthropy-related discussions and called it a mistake to meet with him. A spokesperson for Gates indicated he welcomes the opportunity to answer all questions to support the committee's work, emphasizing Gates never witnessed or participated in any of Epstein's illegal conduct.
The Gates Foundation confirmed limited employee interaction with Epstein to explore potential philanthropic funding but stated no collaboration was pursued and no funds were created. The foundation has commissioned an external review of its past engagement with Epstein and its current vetting policies. The committee's investigation also encompasses authorities' handling of prosecutions, plea deals, Epstein's death, and failures to combat sex trafficking. Released documents also revealed Epstein's ties to prominent figures, including President Donald Trump, and former Attorney General Pam Bondi faced criticism for her handling of the case.