American investor Warren Buffett has ended his longstanding donations to the Gates Foundation, a move linked to revelations about Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates' interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

On Tuesday, July 14th, 2026, Buffett announced he would donate approximately $6 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock, consisting of 12 million Class B shares, to four family foundations managed by his daughter Susie and sons Howard and Peter. Notably, the Gates Foundation was not mentioned in this year's donation announcement.

Since 2006, the Gates Foundation has received over $47 billion worth of Berkshire Hathaway stock from Buffett, who had previously made an irrevocable commitment to donate shares throughout his lifetime. Buffett has donated more than $61 billion in total charitable gifts, with the majority going to the Gates Foundation.

Buffett, 95, also stated his intention to donate all remaining Berkshire Hathaway stock, valued at over $140 billion, to charity by December 31, 2034. This marks a shift from his earlier plan for his children to distribute his fortune within ten years of his death.

In 2024, Buffett had indicated that his donations to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation would cease upon his death. He also revealed in March 2026 that he had not communicated with Gates for months, dating back to before the Epstein files were released in late 2025.

Buffett expressed a goal for annual grant increases to each of the three family-managed foundations, with somewhat faster growth for the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation.

CNBC is scheduled to air an exclusive interview with Buffett on this topic.

Sources

  • South China Morning Post World
  • ABC Australia News
  • Washington Times News