Buffett Reconsiders Gates Foundation Ties Amid Epstein Fallout; Revives Charity with Currys
April 5, 2026, 3:45 am
Location: United States, Washington, Seattle
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 2000
Warren Buffett is reassessing his substantial donations to the Gates Foundation. Bill Gates' connections to Jeffrey Epstein prompted this reevaluation. Buffett confirms he has not spoken to Gates since the revelations. He discussed Berkshire Hathaway's Apple stake reductions, current market sentiment, and his views on Federal Reserve inflation targets. Buffett also announced the return of his famed charity lunch auction. This year, he partners with Stephen and Ayesha Curry. The auction supports the Glide Foundation and the Currys' Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation. Buffett will personally match all funds raised. This revives a beloved philanthropic tradition.
Warren Buffett is carefully considering the future of his donations. His decision hinges on recent revelations. These concern Bill Gates’ past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Buffett confirmed he has not communicated with Gates. This lack of contact began after the Epstein files surfaced.
Buffett's support for the Gates Foundation is significant. Since 2006, he has donated over $43 billion. These were gifts of Berkshire Hathaway shares. His 2006 letter committed annual gifts throughout his lifetime. It also outlined provisions for post-death contributions. However, Buffett confirmed in 2024 that the foundation would receive no funds after his death. His three children will manage the distribution of his wealth instead.
Buffett wishes for clarity regarding the Epstein connections. He stated he wants issues "cleared up." He also expressed a desire to avoid legal entanglements. Buffett clarified his involvement with the foundation was purely financial. He believes Gates did nothing illicit with Epstein. Still, he seeks more information as details emerge. Buffett emphasized he never met Epstein. He described Epstein as a "sensational conman." This individual preyed on others' weaknesses. Gates has acknowledged his association with Epstein. He apologized to Gates Foundation staff. Gates denied any illicit activities. He is scheduled to testify before a House committee. A spokesperson confirmed his willingness to cooperate.
Beyond the Gates Foundation, Buffett addressed other significant matters. He reflected on his role at Berkshire Hathaway. He stepped down as CEO late last year. Greg Abel now leads the company. Buffett remains chairman. He still visits the office daily. He participates in some investment decisions. However, he defers to Abel's judgment. He called Abel "embarrassingly good." Abel covers more ground in a day than Buffett did in a week.
Berkshire Hathaway made significant portfolio adjustments. It sharply reduced its Apple stake. Sales began in late 2023. The position was cut by 75%. Buffett conceded he sold "too soon." Apple's stock price surged nearly 50% since then. Apple remains Berkshire's largest equity holding. Its market value stands at $58.3 billion. This represents 18% of the portfolio. The stake would exceed $234 billion if held. It would then comprise almost 48% of the portfolio. Buffett is content with Apple as the largest holding. He did not want it to dominate the portfolio excessively. He indicated potential future Apple purchases. This would only happen in a different market environment.
Buffett also shared his economic outlook. He finds few compelling investment opportunities. This holds true despite recent stock market declines. He views these declines as unsubstantial. They offer "nothing to make you excited." He also discussed Federal Reserve policy. Buffett desires a zero inflation target. The current 2% annual increase goal concerns him. He fears its compounding effect over time. The February consumer price index rose 2.4%.
Global issues also weigh on Buffett. He cited nuclear proliferation as "the ultimate problem of mankind." He cannot offer a solution. However, he acknowledged the increased difficulty if Iran acquires a nuclear bomb. He declined to comment on US action regarding Iran's enriched uranium.
Buffett announced a notable return to philanthropy. He revived his annual charity lunch auction. He had retired from this event in 2022. The "grand finale" then raised $19 million. He explained the auction "fizzled" without his involvement. He felt compelled to resume it. This year, he teams up with Stephen and Ayesha Curry. The Golden State Warriors star and his entrepreneur wife join the effort.
The charity auction, named "A Seat at the Table," offers a unique lunch experience. The winning bidder and up to seven guests will dine with the trio. The event is scheduled for June 24 in Omaha. The eBay auction begins May 7. It closes one week later on May 14.
Proceeds will benefit two foundations. The Glide Foundation in San Francisco is a longtime recipient of Buffett's support. The Currys' Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation will also benefit. This foundation transforms school experiences for Oakland students. Buffett announced a personal pledge. He will match all donations to both groups. Stephen Curry, 38, even jokingly expressed interest. He wants to teach Buffett, 95, how to shoot a basketball. Buffett lauded Curry as a hero to millions. He expects the partnership to be very successful.
Buffett’s previous lunch auctions raised over $53 million for Glide. The foundation's founder, Cecil Williams, deeply inspired Buffett's late first wife, Susie. Williams offered hope and life to marginalized people. Buffett felt it would be devastating to let this philanthropic tradition die.
Berkshire Hathaway shares recently experienced volatility. The company's stock ended an eight-day losing streak. This began on March 18. It marked the longest such streak in over seven years. Class A shares fell 4.7% during this period. Class B shares dropped 4.9%. The stock recovered some losses later in the week.
Warren Buffett is carefully considering the future of his donations. His decision hinges on recent revelations. These concern Bill Gates’ past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Buffett confirmed he has not communicated with Gates. This lack of contact began after the Epstein files surfaced.
Buffett's support for the Gates Foundation is significant. Since 2006, he has donated over $43 billion. These were gifts of Berkshire Hathaway shares. His 2006 letter committed annual gifts throughout his lifetime. It also outlined provisions for post-death contributions. However, Buffett confirmed in 2024 that the foundation would receive no funds after his death. His three children will manage the distribution of his wealth instead.
Buffett wishes for clarity regarding the Epstein connections. He stated he wants issues "cleared up." He also expressed a desire to avoid legal entanglements. Buffett clarified his involvement with the foundation was purely financial. He believes Gates did nothing illicit with Epstein. Still, he seeks more information as details emerge. Buffett emphasized he never met Epstein. He described Epstein as a "sensational conman." This individual preyed on others' weaknesses. Gates has acknowledged his association with Epstein. He apologized to Gates Foundation staff. Gates denied any illicit activities. He is scheduled to testify before a House committee. A spokesperson confirmed his willingness to cooperate.
Beyond the Gates Foundation, Buffett addressed other significant matters. He reflected on his role at Berkshire Hathaway. He stepped down as CEO late last year. Greg Abel now leads the company. Buffett remains chairman. He still visits the office daily. He participates in some investment decisions. However, he defers to Abel's judgment. He called Abel "embarrassingly good." Abel covers more ground in a day than Buffett did in a week.
Berkshire Hathaway made significant portfolio adjustments. It sharply reduced its Apple stake. Sales began in late 2023. The position was cut by 75%. Buffett conceded he sold "too soon." Apple's stock price surged nearly 50% since then. Apple remains Berkshire's largest equity holding. Its market value stands at $58.3 billion. This represents 18% of the portfolio. The stake would exceed $234 billion if held. It would then comprise almost 48% of the portfolio. Buffett is content with Apple as the largest holding. He did not want it to dominate the portfolio excessively. He indicated potential future Apple purchases. This would only happen in a different market environment.
Buffett also shared his economic outlook. He finds few compelling investment opportunities. This holds true despite recent stock market declines. He views these declines as unsubstantial. They offer "nothing to make you excited." He also discussed Federal Reserve policy. Buffett desires a zero inflation target. The current 2% annual increase goal concerns him. He fears its compounding effect over time. The February consumer price index rose 2.4%.
Global issues also weigh on Buffett. He cited nuclear proliferation as "the ultimate problem of mankind." He cannot offer a solution. However, he acknowledged the increased difficulty if Iran acquires a nuclear bomb. He declined to comment on US action regarding Iran's enriched uranium.
Buffett announced a notable return to philanthropy. He revived his annual charity lunch auction. He had retired from this event in 2022. The "grand finale" then raised $19 million. He explained the auction "fizzled" without his involvement. He felt compelled to resume it. This year, he teams up with Stephen and Ayesha Curry. The Golden State Warriors star and his entrepreneur wife join the effort.
The charity auction, named "A Seat at the Table," offers a unique lunch experience. The winning bidder and up to seven guests will dine with the trio. The event is scheduled for June 24 in Omaha. The eBay auction begins May 7. It closes one week later on May 14.
Proceeds will benefit two foundations. The Glide Foundation in San Francisco is a longtime recipient of Buffett's support. The Currys' Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation will also benefit. This foundation transforms school experiences for Oakland students. Buffett announced a personal pledge. He will match all donations to both groups. Stephen Curry, 38, even jokingly expressed interest. He wants to teach Buffett, 95, how to shoot a basketball. Buffett lauded Curry as a hero to millions. He expects the partnership to be very successful.
Buffett’s previous lunch auctions raised over $53 million for Glide. The foundation's founder, Cecil Williams, deeply inspired Buffett's late first wife, Susie. Williams offered hope and life to marginalized people. Buffett felt it would be devastating to let this philanthropic tradition die.
Berkshire Hathaway shares recently experienced volatility. The company's stock ended an eight-day losing streak. This began on March 18. It marked the longest such streak in over seven years. Class A shares fell 4.7% during this period. Class B shares dropped 4.9%. The stock recovered some losses later in the week.