Buffett says decision to stop Gates Foundation donations not a surprise
Warren Buffett has officially ended his two-decade philanthropic partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The decision follows public scrutiny regarding Bill Gates' past associations with Jeffrey Epstein, leading Buffett to redirect his future donations to his own family foundations.
Why it matters
This marks a significant shift in global philanthropy, as Buffett was one of the largest donors to the Gates Foundation, potentially impacting the scale of its future initiatives.
Warren Buffett said it was not a surprise when he told Bill Gates about his decision to stop donating to the Gates Foundation , ending their two-decade philanthropic partnership. Mr. Buffett, 95, did not include the Gates Foundation in a nearly $6 billion donation of Berkshire Hathaway stock announced on Tuesday (July 14, 2026), following revelations about interactions between Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist, and the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In interview excerpts broadcast on CNBC on Wednesday (July 15, 2026), Mr. Buffett, who is Berkshire's chairman, said the billionaires spoke three weeks ago when Mr. Gates visited Omaha.
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