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Bill Gates Testifies Before House Oversight Committee
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates testified before the House Oversight Committee on June 10, 2026, revealing that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein attempted to blackmail him using information about Gates' extramarital affairs. In his opening statement, Gates called his association with Epstein 'a grave error in judgment' and stated he 'should never have met with Epstein in the first place.' The closed-door deposition marks the latest development in Congress's ongoing investigation into Epstein's vast network of powerful associates.
How Epstein Exploited Gates' Personal Life
According to Gates' opening remarks, which were shared with the Associated Press, his relationship with Epstein began in 2011 — three years after Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida to soliciting a minor for prostitution. Gates said he was drawn by Epstein's promises to help raise billions of dollars for global health initiatives through the Gates Foundation. The relationship ended in late 2014 when Gates realized Epstein could not deliver on those promises.
After Gates cut ties, Epstein attempted to use knowledge of Gates' marital infidelities as leverage to pressure him back into contact. 'Those affairs had nothing to do with my contacts with Epstein, but they were painful for my family,' Gates told the committee. He stated that Epstein's blackmail attempt was ultimately unsuccessful.
Gates' relationship with Epstein had previously been cited as a factor in his 2021 divorce from Melinda French Gates. In earlier interviews, Melinda described the Epstein connection as bringing back 'very, very painful times' from their marriage. The Epstein divorce impact on powerful marriages has been a recurring theme in the broader investigation.
Gates Denies Knowledge of Epstein's Crimes
Throughout his testimony, Gates maintained that he had no knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities during their interactions. He stated he never visited Epstein's private island, ranch in New Mexico, or Florida home, and said he never witnessed any criminal conduct. 'I have never victimized anyone,' Gates declared in his opening statement.
Gates pushed back on unverified allegations contained in draft emails attributed to Epstein, including claims that the financier facilitated sexual encounters for Gates and provided medication for a sexually transmitted infection. Gates characterized these as 'oftentimes untrue' fabrications by Epstein, saying Epstein 'would write emails that were oftentimes untrue.'
Congressional Investigation Intensifies
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) emphasized that the investigation is not about accusing Gates of wrongdoing but about understanding how Epstein operated and where the government failed. 'Naming Bill Gates of any wrongdoing,' Comer said, 'is not the purpose. The purpose is to find justice for the victims.'
Gates appeared voluntarily, stating he hoped his testimony would be 'useful for the important work of the committee to find justice for the victims.' He also provided investigators with names of other individuals in Epstein's orbit, including former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers.
The House Oversight Epstein investigation timeline has included testimony from numerous high-profile figures. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified before the committee in February 2026 after initially being held in contempt. Clinton denied wrongdoing, stating 'I saw nothing, and I did nothing wrong.'
Epstein's Pattern of Exploitation
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), the ranking Democrat on the committee, noted that Epstein's tactics followed a consistent pattern. 'He uses that over and over again,' Garcia said, referring to Epstein's method of collecting compromising information about powerful individuals and leveraging it for continued access and influence.
This pattern of exploitation has been a central focus of the Epstein blackmail tactics and powerful men investigation, which has revealed how the financier cultivated relationships with global elites across business, politics, and entertainment.
The Epstein Files and Ongoing Revelations
The testimony comes after the Justice Department released over 3 million pages, 2,000 videos, and 180,000 images of Epstein-related documents in January 2026 under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Gates appears multiple times in these documents, including in calendar entries, emails, and photographs showing him at events Epstein also attended.
Committee investigators have reviewed these materials extensively. Gates acknowledged having several dinners with Epstein and meeting him at Epstein's New York townhouse, but maintained their interactions were limited to philanthropic discussions.
What's Next in the Epstein Investigation
Chairman Comer indicated that more interviews with Epstein associates are expected, including with Epstein's former lawyer Alan Dershowitz. The committee is also examining Epstein's financial network and his connections to intelligence operations.
Gates' testimony adds another chapter to the ongoing reckoning with Epstein's legacy and the network of powerful individuals who associated with him. While Gates has publicly expressed regret for his association, the investigation continues to uncover the full extent of Epstein's influence operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Bill Gates know about Jeffrey Epstein's crimes?
Gates testified that he had no knowledge of Epstein's criminal conduct during their interactions and never witnessed any illegal activity. He stated he was focused solely on philanthropic fundraising.
How did Epstein try to blackmail Bill Gates?
Epstein used information about Gates' extramarital affairs as leverage after Gates ended their relationship in 2014, attempting to pressure him into re-engaging. Gates stated the effort was unsuccessful.
When did Bill Gates meet Jeffrey Epstein?
Gates first met Epstein in 2011, three years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea in Florida for soliciting a minor. Their relationship continued until late 2014.
Did Bill Gates visit Epstein's island?
Gates denied ever visiting Epstein's private island, ranch in New Mexico, or Florida home during his testimony before the House Oversight Committee.
Why did Bill Gates associate with Epstein?
Gates said he was attracted by Epstein's promises to help raise billions of dollars for global health initiatives through the Gates Foundation. He has called the association a 'grave error in judgment.'
Sources
- Associated Press - Bill Gates opening statement to House Oversight Committee, June 10, 2026
- CNN - Bill Gates testifies before House Oversight Committee
- USA Today - Bill Gates tells Congress Epstein tried to blackmail him
- CNBC - Bill Gates testimony on Epstein relationship
- New York Times - Bill Gates: Epstein tried to blackmail me
- Politico - House Oversight considers Gates subpoena
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