Bill Gates appeared voluntarily before the House Oversight Committee on June 10, 2026 — but lawmakers from both parties emerged with strikingly critical assessments. Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi described the Microsoft co-founder as "combative" and "not terribly forthcoming or candid." Republican Tim Burchett called the questioning "intense."
What Gates Revealed
Gates told the committee Jeffrey Epstein exploited information about his extramarital affairs "to pressure me to re-engage with him" after Gates attempted to end their association. He said he "did not fully understand the extent" of Epstein's crimes when they met between 2011-2014 for philanthropic discussions, calling the relationship "a huge mistake" and "a grave error in judgment." Arriving voluntarily, Gates told reporters: "I hope my testimony helps lawmakers find justice for the victims."
How Lawmakers Reacted
| Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) | "Combative. Not terribly forthcoming or candid." |
| Tim Burchett (R-TN) | "Intense questioning." |
| Robert Garcia (D-CA) | Pushed back on some inquiries but was "answering the questions." |
The Bigger Investigation
Most Democratic members said the most useful information Gates provided involved other influential people in Epstein's orbit — suggesting the investigation may widen. Lawmakers pressed hard on why Gates continued interacting with Epstein after his 2008 guilty plea for soliciting a minor. The Committee is investigating whether the Justice Department gave Epstein preferential treatment before his 2019 death in federal custody.
Sources: Reuters, The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, Newsweek, AP
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Sources
- Reuters World — reuters.com/world
- Associated Press — apnews.com
- Voxlogue editorial research
