Gates Foundation probes Epstein ties as $9B funding, staffing cuts, and oversight shifts unfold

The Gates Foundation has initiated an external review of its past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein as scrutiny intensifies around co-founder Bill Gates, a billionaire philanthropist and former Microsoft CEO. The governance review—focused on vetting and partnerships—comes as the foundation maintains a $9 billion annual funding commitment through 2045 supporting global health, education, and gender equity. It also plans to cap operating expenses at 14% and cut up to 500 staff from roughly 2,375 employees. Findings expected in coming months could reshape oversight and influence how billions in philanthropic dollars are deployed worldwide.