Buffett delays multibillion-dollar Gates Foundation donation amid Epstein review

Warren Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, is skipping his usual mid-year multibillion-dollar donation to the Gates Foundation. This decision, reported by The Wall Street Journal, is attributed to Buffett's wait-and-see approach regarding the findings of an external review commissioned by the foundation. The review aims to assess past foundation engagement with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, whose association with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has previously led to controversy.

Bill Gates has expressed regret over his association with Epstein and has denied witnessing any criminal conduct by him, though his reputation was tarnished following the release of Justice Department files in February. The Gates Foundation CEO, Mark Suzman, initiated the review, with its findings expected this summer. Buffett, who has donated over $47 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to the foundation over the past two decades, may decide on his donation later in the year, potentially aligning with his Thanksgiving letter.