Warren Buffett has excluded the Gates Foundation from his annual charitable donations for the first time since 2006, redirecting approximately $6 billion to four family-linked foundations. The decision follows disclosures about Bill Gates’ past ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
The 95-year-old investor announced on July 14, 2026, that his remaining Berkshire Hathaway stock—valued at over $140 billion—will be fully donated to charity by December 31, 2034. Previously, his estate plan allowed his three children 10 years post-death to distribute the funds.
Shift in Buffett’s philanthropic strategy
This year’s allocations include $4.5 billion to the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation and $500 million each to the Sherwood, Howard G. Buffett, and Novo Foundations. The total matches his 2025 donations, with family foundations receiving amounts that appear to compensate for the Gates Foundation’s absence.
Buffett and Gates were once close, collaborating on philanthropy and corporate boards. However, Buffett told CNBC in March 2026 that he had not spoken to Gates since Epstein-related documents were released in late 2025. Gates has denied knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and was not accused of wrongdoing.
Epstein scandal’s lingering impact
Justice Department files show Gates’ interactions with Epstein, including emails and meeting records. The Gates Foundation hired an investigator in March to review past engagements with Epstein and assess its vetting policies, with findings expected in summer 2026.
Buffett, who stepped down as Berkshire CEO in January 2026 but remains chairman, called Epstein a “sensational con man” who exploited others’ weaknesses. He noted relief that Epstein never visited Omaha, his longtime residence.
CNBC will air an exclusive interview with Buffett on July 15, 2026, addressing the donation shift. Neither Buffett nor the Gates Foundation responded to immediate requests for comment on July 14.
