Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates is set to testify before a U.S. House committee in May 2026 regarding his past associations with Jeffrey Epstein, following a formal request from the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform issued March 3, 2026. The development caps months of renewed scrutiny over Epstein connections that have shadowed Gates' public activities, even as he continues advocating for global health innovation and artificial intelligence advancements through his foundation.

Microsoft founder and technology advisor Bill Gates laughs at a trade show during the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting in Omaha.
Microsoft founder and technology advisor Bill Gates laughs at a trade show during the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting in Omaha.

The congressional letter, transmitted electronically, directs Gates to appear for an in-person transcribed interview on May 19 at 10 a.m. The panel is examining alleged mismanagement of federal investigations into Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's death circumstances, sex-trafficking operations, and related federal responses. Gates' ties to Epstein, which began around 2011 and continued intermittently through 2014, have resurfaced amid newly released U.S. Justice Department documents and emails.

Gates has previously described the association as a "huge mistake" and expressed regret, stating in interviews that he met Epstein hoping to secure philanthropic funding but saw no illicit activity. In a February 2026 staff meeting at the Gates Foundation, he reportedly apologized, admitting to the relationships and emphasizing personal responsibility. Foundation officials confirmed he spoke candidly, reiterating "I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit."

The subpoena follows Gates' abrupt withdrawal from India's AI Impact Summit in February 2026, hours before his scheduled keynote. The Gates Foundation cited a desire to keep focus on the event's priorities amid Epstein-related controversy. The cancellation added to organizational challenges at the summit and highlighted how the issue continues to impact Gates' international engagements.

Despite these distractions, Gates remains vocal on global challenges. In his January 2026 annual letter titled "The Year Ahead 2026: Optimism with Footnotes," he expressed guarded optimism about progress in health, climate and technology. He warned that recent setbacks — including U.S. foreign aid reductions — have caused the world to go "backwards" in key areas like child mortality and disease eradication. Gates described the next five years as difficult but insisted humanity would not revert to a "Dark Ages" if innovation pipelines accelerate.

He highlighted artificial intelligence's transformative potential, stating there is "no upper limit" on how intelligent AI systems could become, surpassing human levels without plateauing. Gates urged preparation for disruptions to jobs, education and healthcare, while praising AI's role in closing innovation gaps between rich and poor nations. In Davos interviews in January 2026, he discussed a new Gates Foundation initiative in Africa called Horizon 1000, partnering with OpenAI to bolster health systems through technology.

The foundation's work faces headwinds from U.S. aid cuts, which Gates called "abrupt and cruel" in public remarks. In Senate testimony earlier in 2026, he outlined impacts on African programs and urged restored funding to maintain American leadership in global health. The Gates Foundation plans to spend an additional $200 billion over the next 20 years, aiming to close by 2045 after achieving major goals in poverty reduction, health and education.

Personal financial developments tied to Gates' 2021 divorce from Melinda French Gates also surfaced in early 2026 tax filings. Gates donated nearly $8 billion to French Gates' Pivotal Philanthropies Foundation as part of the settlement, one of the largest single charitable transfers recorded. Combined with prior gifts, the total support for her independent philanthropy exceeds $10 billion, fulfilling commitments made during their separation. French Gates resigned from the Gates Foundation co-chair role in 2024 to focus on women's and girls' issues.

Gates' net worth, bolstered by Microsoft stock and investments, supports his pledge to give away virtually all his fortune. He has emphasized equitable distribution of AI benefits and warned against unchecked risks, drawing parallels to his pre-pandemic calls for preparedness.

Public perception remains mixed. Supporters credit Gates with saving millions of lives through vaccination campaigns and polio eradication efforts, noting proximity to disease elimination. Critics point to Epstein ties and foundation influence over global policy as concerns.

As May's testimony approaches, Gates balances philanthropy with accountability pressures. His foundation continues scaling innovations in AI-driven health tools and climate adaptation, positioning 2026 as a pivotal year for long-term progress despite short-term controversies.