Gates Foundation to Lay Off 500 Employees Amid Epstein Review
The Gates Foundation is set to reduce its workforce by up to 500 positions, roughly 20% of its total staff, over the coming years. This decision is linked to a broader restructuring effort, which follows an external review of the foundation’s connections with the late Jeffrey Epstein.
According to a report, employees were informed about these layoffs in a memo distributed on Tuesday. A spokesperson for the foundation clarified that the review had been initially announced to all staff in an email last month, with agreement from both the board and Bill Gates. However, there hasn’t been any direct indication that these job cuts are a direct consequence of the review.
Earlier this year, the layoffs were part of the foundation’s planned budget adjustments. Nevertheless, this review is drawing fresh attention to the foundation’s past involvement with Epstein, prompting questions about the governance of one of the largest charitable organizations globally.
Mark Suzman, the CEO of the Gates Foundation, initiated this external review to scrutinize the foundation’s past dealings with Epstein and assess their existing policies concerning the formation of new philanthropic partnerships. The foundation plans to provide an update on the ongoing review to the board and management this summer.
Bill Gates has expressed regret over his relationship with Epstein, referring to himself as “stupid” for having spent time with the convicted sex offender.
In a January press release, the foundation stated that employees were made aware of potential layoffs during discussions on the 2026 budget. This move aims to decrease the current headcount from 2,375 to a target of around 1,875 jobs by 2030, with adjustments made to goals and timelines each year.
The foundation, co-founded by Bill Gates and his ex-wife Melinda, is facing renewed scrutiny over its ties to Epstein. Recently, the Justice Department disclosed over 3 million documents related to the Epstein investigation, including personal emails that reportedly mention Gates. According to reports, Gates was involved in extramarital affairs that Epstein was aware of, but he noted that none of these affairs included victims of Epstein.
Gates maintained that he hadn’t committed any illegal acts, stating, “I didn’t see anything illegal,” during a recent town hall meeting attended by employees.
Looking ahead, Gates is expected to testify before the House Oversight Committee on June 10, as part of an ongoing inquiry into Epstein’s dealings.
