Warren Buffett Ends Gates Foundation Donations as Focus Shifts to Family Philanthropy Amid Epstein Scrutiny

LONDON, 17 July 2026 — Legendary investor Warren Buffett has announced that he will no longer make annual donations to the Gates Foundation, bringing to a close a philanthropic partnership that has lasted nearly two decades. The decision comes amid renewed public scrutiny over Bill Gates’ past association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, although Buffett has indicated that several factors influenced his decision.

Buffett revealed that he is redirecting approximately US$6 billion worth of Berkshire Hathaway shares to four charitable foundations managed by his children — Susie, Howard and Peter Buffett. He also said that the remainder of his fortune is expected to be distributed through these family foundations by the end of 2034.

During a recent interview, Buffett acknowledged that Bill Gates’ past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was “distasteful” and described it as a serious error in judgement. However, he stopped short of saying that this issue alone was the reason for ending donations to the Gates Foundation. Buffett stressed that he continues to value his long-standing friendship with Gates and has no regrets about the billions of dollars he donated to the foundation over the past 20 years.

Since 2006, Buffett has contributed more than US$47 billion in Berkshire Hathaway shares to the Gates Foundation, making him one of its largest benefactors. His latest decision marks a significant change in the direction of his charitable giving rather than a complete break with Bill Gates personally.

The Gates Foundation thanked Buffett for his decades of support, noting that his contributions have played a major role in advancing global health, education and poverty reduction programmers. The foundation also emphasised that it remains financially well supported through Bill Gates’ own philanthropic commitments.

The move is expected to reshape one of the world’s most influential philanthropic partnerships and highlights Buffett’s growing desire to place responsibility for his charitable legacy in the hands of his family. Analysts say the decision reflects both succession planning and Buffett’s confidence that his children are ready to oversee the distribution of his remaining wealth.

Editor’s Note: While Warren Buffett referred to Bill Gates’ past association with Jeffrey Epstein as a factor he found troubling, he stated that the primary reason for redirecting future donations was his decision to entrust his family’s foundations with managing his philanthropic legacy, rather than attributing the decision solely to Gates’ relationship with Epstein.