Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates appeared before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday for a closed-door interview regarding his relationship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, becoming one of the highest-profile witnesses yet in Congress' ongoing investigation into Epstein's network of wealthy and politically connected associates.
Gates told reporters as he arrived on Capitol Hill that he was "glad to be here voluntarily" and said he hoped his testimony would be helpful to the committee's work. "I support the release of all the Epstein files," Gates wrote in his opening statement, published Wednesday morning. "The survivors of Epstein's crimes deserve justice."
Unlike several previous witnesses, Gates' testimony will not be recorded on video. Lawmakers are expected to release a transcript in the coming days.
What the Left Is Saying
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) described Gates as "not as candid and forthcoming as he can be" after the initial hour of questioning, telling Forbes that Gates appeared "a little combative."
Ahead of the testimony, Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) said lawmakers were seeking "accountability for those in power and answers for survivors." Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) similarly stated he wanted to learn more about "what Gates knew of Epstein's crimes, and the nature and extent of their relationship."
The committee first requested Gates' testimony in March. Chairman James Comer (R-KY) stated the panel believed the billionaire possessed information relevant to its investigation into Epstein and his associates.
What the Right Is Saying
Chairman Comer said the committee believed Gates had relevant information about Epstein's network, which began in 2011 — three years after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution. Republicans on the committee have pushed for full transparency regarding why Gates maintained contact with Epstein years after his conviction.
Gates has long maintained 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," a spokesman for Gates previously said.
What the Numbers Show
Documents released by the Justice Department revealed repeated communications involving Gates, Epstein, and several of Gates' closest advisers over multiple years. Earlier this year, Gates apologized to employees at the Gates Foundation for his association with Epstein and acknowledged he had engaged in extramarital affairs.
Emails included discussions of Gates' personal life that Gates categorically denied. "These claims are absolutely absurd and completely false," a spokesman said previously, arguing that Epstein sought to "entrap and defame" Gates after he cut off contact. Gates has insisted none of the women with whom he had affairs were connected to Epstein's sex-trafficking operation.
Gates joins other prominent figures questioned by the committee as part of its 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.
The Bottom Line
The transcript of Gates' testimony is expected to be released in the coming days, potentially providing new details about his relationship with Epstein. Ethics experts raised questions after the New York Times reported that Gates sought advice from Jake Greenberg — former chief investigations counsel for the House Oversight Committee — while preparing for the interview. Those experts told the Times 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.
What happens next: Watch for the transcript release, which could include previously undisclosed details about Gates' interactions with Epstein. Lawmakers from both parties have signaled they want answers about why Gates maintained contact years after Epstein's conviction.