Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is appearing before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday for a closed-door interview regarding his relationship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Gates will be one of the highest-profile witnesses yet in Congress’ ongoing investigation into Epstein’s network of wealthy and politically connected associates.
Unlike several previous witnesses, Gates’ testimony will not be recorded on video. Instead, lawmakers are expected to release a transcript in the coming days, setting up what could be one of the most closely watched document releases of the committee’s months-long probe.
“I’m glad to be here voluntarily to testify,” Gates told reporters as he arrived on Capitol Hill. “I hope my testimony is helpful to the hard work of the committee to find justice for the victims.”
Gates published his opening statement to the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday morning, saying he supports “the release of all the Epstein files,” and that he hoped “the survivors of Epstein’s crimes can get the justice that they deserve.”
Still, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) described Gates as “not as candid and forthcoming as he can be” and even a “little combative” after the initial hour of questioning, according to Forbes.
The hearing follows months of scrutiny surrounding Gates’ relationship with Epstein, which began in 2011 — three years after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution.
The House Oversight Committee first requested Gates’ testimony in March. Chairman James Comer (R-KY) stated the committee believed the billionaire possessed information relevant to its investigation into Epstein and his associates. The date for the hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, as previously reported by The Daily Wire.
Gates has long maintained that he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal conduct and has denied any involvement in wrongdoing. “While he never witnessed or participated in any of Epstein’s illegal conduct, he is looking forward to answering all the committee’s questions to support their important work,” a spokesman for Gates previously said.
The billionaire’s ties to Epstein have generated controversy for years, particularly after documents released by the Justice Department revealed repeated communications involving Gates, Epstein, and several of Gates’ closest advisers.
Earlier this year, Gates apologized to employees at the Gates Foundation for his association with Epstein and acknowledged that he had engaged in extramarital affairs, including relationships with a Russian bridge player and a Russian nuclear physicist.
Documents released as part of the Epstein files included emails in which Epstein discussed Gates’ personal life and alleged sexual relationships with Russian women. One email, which appeared to be a draft resignation letter sent by Epstein to himself, referenced helping Gates obtain medication following encounters with “russian girls.” Another email alleged that Gates contracted a sexually transmitted disease and sought to secretly provide antibiotics to his then-wife, Melinda Gates.
Gates has categorically denied those allegations. “These claims are absolutely absurd and completely false,” a spokesman for Gates said previously, arguing that Epstein sought to “entrap and defame” him after Gates cut off contact.
Gates has also insisted that none of the women with whom he had affairs were connected to Epstein’s sex-trafficking operation. “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” Gates told foundation employees earlier this year. “To be clear I never spent any time with victims, the women around [Epstein].”
Still, lawmakers from both parties have signaled they want answers about why Gates maintained contact with Epstein years after his conviction and what exactly transpired during their relationship.
Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) said ahead of the testimony that lawmakers are seeking “accountability for those in power and answers for survivors.” Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) similarly said he wanted to learn more about “what Gates knew of Epstein’s crimes, and the nature and extent of their relationship.”
Wednesday’s appearance also drew attention because Gates sought advice from Jake Greenberg — the former chief investigations counsel for the House Oversight Committee — while preparing for the interview, according to the New York Times. Ethics experts told the Times that the arrangement could create the appearance of a revolving door between congressional investigators and high-profile witnesses, though no rules appear to have been violated.
Gates joins a growing list of prominent figures questioned by the committee as part of its Epstein investigation, including former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Attorney General Pam Bondi, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, retail billionaire Les Wexner, and convicted Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
With no video recording and no immediate public release of his testimony, attention is now turning to the transcript, which committee officials say will be released in the coming days and could provide the clearest account yet of Gates’ long-questioned relationship with Epstein.
