Subject: Buffett skips midyear donation to Gates Foundation
Better late than never.

" Warren Buffett, the legendary 95-year-old investor, is holding off on his usual midyear donation to the Gates Foundation until he sees the results of a review into the foundation's ties to Jeffrey Epstein, according to a media report.

The so-called "Oracle of Omaha" may delay his decision until he issues his Thanksgiving letter, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with Buffett's plans. The chairman of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) (BRK.A) typically donates billions of dollars worth of Berkshire shares each June or early July as part of a “lifetime” pledge he made when he deepened ties with the Gates Foundation about 20 years ago.

The Gates Foundation has hired law firm WilmerHale to review its dealings with the late sex offender. Its findings are due this summer. Buffett and those close to him have communicated with the foundation's leadership to learn more about the review and Epstein's relationship with the organization, the WSJ said.

Buffett had developed a strong friendship with Microsoft founder Bill Gates when the two men were the richest in the world. That relationship has been strained with the release of the Epstein files. In March, he said he hadn't spoken to Gates since the Justice Department released the documents surrounding its investigations of Epstein.

In early May, Gates didn't attend Berkshire Hathaway's (BRK.B) (BRK.A) annual meeting, where he had been a regular attendee. He wasn't banned from the meeting but was advised not to go by some people, the WSJ had reported.

Buffett has contributed ~$48B to the Gates Foundation from 2006 to 2025, typically transferring tranches of stock in the middle of each year. The Omaha multibillionaire stepped down as a foundation trustee in 2021 after Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates announced their divorce.""