Overview
- Foundation leaders told staff Tuesday that an outside review is underway into past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein and how new partners are vetted, with an update expected this summer.
- The organization plans to reduce headcount by up to 500 positions by 2030 and cap annual operating costs at about $1.25 billion, with roughly 200 roles targeted by the end of 2027.
- Justice Department files released in February include more than 3 million pages with emails, calendar entries, and photos showing Gates and staff interactions with Epstein.
- The foundation says it never paid or employed Epstein and regrets any employee interactions, while Gates has apologized to staff and said he saw no illicit conduct.
- Congressional scrutiny is building ahead of Gates’ transcribed House Oversight interview on June 10, and longtime donor Warren Buffett has signaled a wait-and-see approach to future gifts.