Bill Gates appeared on Capitol Hill this Wednesday (10) to testify behind closed doors before the House of Representatives Oversight Committee. The Microsoft co-founder is the latest high-profile figure called up in the investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein files and the federal government’s handling of the case.
The transcribed hearing, without video recording, follows the pattern adopted in other recent statements by the republican commission. A transcript should be released in the coming days. Before entering, Gates told reporters he was “happy to be here voluntarily to help with the work of the committee.”
Documents released by the Justice Department mention Gates on hundreds of occasions. They record contacts that began in 2011 — three years after Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida to soliciting a minor for prostitution — and continued until at least the end of 2014. Emails, diary notes and photos show meetings and discussions about philanthropic projects.
Gates has always denied having knowledge of Epstein’s sexual crimes. He classified the relationship as “a big mistake” and stated that the meetings were limited to philanthropic topics. Neither he nor the Gates Foundation have been accused of any wrongdoing. The ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, has already reported that the association generated tension in the marriage.
Hiring of former commission lawyer sparks debate on preparation
One detail that draws attention is the hiring, by Gates, of Jake Greenberg, who until last December served as the main investigative advisor to the Oversight Committee itself and led the investigation into Epstein. According to The New York Times, Greenberg helped with the preparation, but will not participate in the testimony due to ethical rules.
This movement occurs while the commission, chaired by Republican James Comer, advances in questioning several figures linked to the financier. Previous testimony included former President Bill Clinton, who spent more than six hours responding about flights on Epstein’s jet and visits to the White House. Clinton also denied any knowledge of abuses.
The investigation examines not only personal contacts, but possible failures by the Justice Department in its handling of the Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases. Epstein died by suicide in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking of minors.
What changes in practice
For victims and observers, the sequence of hearings from billionaires and former authorities keeps the focus on the power networks that surrounded Epstein even after his 2008 conviction. The commission plans to hear other names, such as investor Leon Black and former bank executives, throughout the summer.
The Gates Foundation had already carried out an internal review on the topic and recognized specific employee contacts with Epstein based on promises to mobilize resources for global health. No joint fund was created.
Gates presides over the Gates Foundation, one of the largest in the world in the area of health and development. He has not been charged with any crimes related to Epstein.
