Bill Gates appears before House Committee in Epstein probe

Bill Gates testified before the U.S. House oversight committee on Wednesday as part of a probe into Jeffrey Epstein. Lawmakers seek insight into how the federal government handled Epstein and Maxwell investigations, citing Epstein estate documents showing correspondence with business leaders and politicians. Gates was not accused of wrongdoing, but the committee says he may have information relevant to the review. The session highlights scrutiny of Epstein's elite networks.

Officials disclosed a March request for a closed-door interview with Gates as part of the probe. The committee also plans interviews with former Bill Clinton aide Doug Band, former Apollo Global Management CEO Leon Black, Epstein's assistants Lesley Groff and Sarah Kellen, Goldman Sachs general counsel Kathryn Ruemmler, and Gateway co-founder Ted Waitt. Gates first met Epstein in 2011, meeting him three times to discuss global health funding.

Gates and Epstein reportedly discussed plans to raise about $100 billion for a global health fund, with Gates’ foundation providing health funding experience and Epstein offering his Wall Street connections. An Epstein email described one meeting as 'monstrous fun,' underscoring the uneasy blend of philanthropy and wealth. Gates kept contact through 2014, then cut ties when the promised funds did not materialize.