Warren Buffett calls Bill Gates' actions with Epstein 'distasteful,' but people make mistakes

• Buffett redirected all of this year's donations to foundations run by his three children, ending the Gates Foundation's status as the largest recipient of his annual Berkshire stock gifts worth over $47 billion since 2006
• Despite the donation change, Buffett said he and Gates remain in contact and recently spent three hours together in Omaha, with Gates proposing another meeting
• Buffett's estate plan now places greater responsibility with his children, stating 'I did not think my kids were in any way ready to give away vast sums of money' previously, but believes they are prepared now

Summary

Key Development:

Warren Buffett, 95, has redirected his 2026 charitable donations away from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to four family-linked foundations managed by his three children. Since 2006, Buffett had donated over $47 billion in Berkshire Hathaway stock to the Gates Foundation, making it his largest charitable recipient.

Main Figures:

• Warren Buffett (Berkshire Hathaway Chairman)
• Bill Gates (Microsoft co-founder)
• Total historical donations to Gates Foundation: $47+ billion

Rationale:

Buffett described Gates' association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as "distasteful" but stated he found "nothing beyond what I could picture myself doing" after extensive review. However, he emphasized the donation shift was primarily about succession planning rather than Epstein-related concerns. Buffett stated his children are now prepared to handle "vast sums of money," having been gradually prepared over decades.

2026 Donation Breakdown:

• Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation: 9 million Class B shares
• Sherwood Foundation, Howard G. Buffett Foundation, and NoVo Foundation: 1 million Class B shares each

Current Relationship:

Buffett confirmed he and Gates remain in contact, recently spending three hours together in Omaha three weeks prior to the interview, with another meeting already proposed.

Market Implications:

This represents a significant shift in philanthropic capital allocation, moving substantial Berkshire Hathaway equity from one of the world's largest foundations to smaller family foundations. Buffett's goal is to dispose of all his Berkshire holdings, suggesting continued systematic stock distribution.

Additional Note:

Buffett recently underwent surgery for a broken leg and is recovering well.