Bill Gates appeared before House investigators Wednesday for a closed-door interview about his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, as lawmakers continue reviewing newly released documents tied to the late convicted sex offender and his network of wealthy and influential associates.
The Microsoft co-founder voluntarily participated in the House Oversight Committee interview, which was not immediately open to the public. A transcript is expected to be released at a later date, allowing lawmakers and the public to review Gates’ answers in more detail.
Gates has not been accused of wrongdoing. He has repeatedly said that spending time with Epstein was a serious mistake and has denied any knowledge of or involvement in Epstein’s crimes.
The committee’s interest in Gates follows the release of Justice Department records that showed Gates’ name appearing in Epstein-related files. Those records included references to meetings, correspondence and discussions involving philanthropy between Gates and Epstein from 2011 to at least 2014 — years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
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Gates has said his interactions with Epstein were related to philanthropy and possible fundraising. The Gates Foundation has denied that any collaboration with Epstein was ever created and has said the foundation made no financial payments to him. The foundation has also launched an external review of its past engagement with Epstein.
The House Oversight Committee is examining not only Gates’ association with Epstein, but also broader questions about how federal authorities handled the Epstein case and whether powerful figures received special treatment or escaped scrutiny.
Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. His death, which was ruled a suicide, has continued to fuel public demands for transparency about his files, his associates and the government’s handling of his case.
Gates’ appearance is part of a wider congressional investigation involving several prominent figures. Other individuals connected to Epstein’s social, financial or political circles have also faced or are expected to face committee questioning.
Lawmakers from both parties have said they want to understand why Gates maintained contact with Epstein after Epstein’s conviction. House Oversight Ranking Member Robert Garcia, D-Calif., told reporters that Gates’ continued relationship with Epstein after his conviction was “very concerning” and said lawmakers want to know what Gates knew and who else was involved in Epstein’s orbit.
Gates has publicly apologized for the association. According to reporting reviewed by The Wall Street Journal and summarized by Forbes, Gates told Gates Foundation staff earlier this year that he “did nothing illicit” and “saw nothing illicit,” while calling his connection to Epstein a “huge mistake.”
A spokesperson for Gates has said he welcomes the opportunity to answer the committee’s questions and support its work. The spokesperson has also denied that Gates witnessed or participated in Epstein’s illegal conduct.
The closed-door format means Wednesday’s interview may not produce immediate public answers. But once the transcript is released, lawmakers are expected to look closely at Gates’ explanation of how the relationship began, what Epstein sought from him, whether Gates knew of Epstein’s conduct beyond the 2008 conviction, and why contact continued for several years.
The testimony also comes as Gates faces renewed scrutiny over his public image. For years, he has been associated with global philanthropy, public health and technology. His Epstein ties have become one of the most damaging controversies attached to that legacy, even though he denies wrongdoing.
The broader public question is not only whether Gates committed any misconduct. It is also how Epstein used relationships with wealthy and powerful people to rebuild influence after his conviction. Congressional investigators appear focused on whether those connections helped Epstein maintain credibility, access and protection.
That question has kept the Epstein case politically explosive. The files involve Democrats, Republicans, business leaders, academics and financiers. Lawmakers have said the investigation should not be limited by party affiliation.
For now, Gates’ testimony marks another step in Congress’ effort to build a fuller record of Epstein’s network. The most important answers may not come until the transcript is made public.
Why It Matters
The interview matters because Gates is one of the highest-profile figures to face congressional questioning over Epstein-related contacts. His testimony could help clarify how Epstein maintained access to influential people years after his 2008 conviction.
It also matters because the House Oversight probe is examining whether federal agencies mishandled the Epstein case or failed to fully pursue leads involving powerful individuals.
What Comes Next
The House Oversight Committee is expected to release a transcript of Gates’ closed-door interview at a later date. Lawmakers may use his answers to guide additional interviews or document requests.
Other prominent figures tied to Epstein’s network are also expected to face questioning as the investigation continues.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates arrived on Capitol Hill for a voluntary closed-door transcribed interview with the Republican-led House Oversight Committee regarding his past relationship with the late Jeffrey Epstein. pic.twitter.com/5hAuWebQeN
— grizzy (@Furbeti) June 10, 2026
