On Wednesday, lawmakers were questioned by The Daily Caller News Foundation about why Bill Gates was permitted to appear in a private session concerning his alleged connection with Jeffrey Epstein. Some lawmakers contended that his testimony should have been accessible to the public.
Gates spoke during a closed deposition for the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, focusing on his ties to Epstein, which have come to light following the release of over 3 million documents by the Department of Justice (DOJ). The committee indicated that having depositions and interview transcripts would facilitate a more thorough investigation.
While Gates provided his testimony in private, several of Epstein’s alleged victims, like Sarah Kellen, Epstein’s former assistant, have testified publicly. Kellen, for instance, shared her account before the House Oversight Committee on May 13, and offered further testimony in a closed session on May 22.
A spokesperson for the Oversight Committee explained, “The Committee is undertaking a comprehensive investigation into the federal government’s handling of the Epstein and Maxwell cases. The use of depositions and transcripts will allow us to ask deeper, extended questions to gather facts. This interview marks the 15th in our investigation, and we aim to make full transcripts public.”
Republican Rep. Tim Burchett from Tennessee expressed that lawmakers, regardless of their party affiliation, agreed on the importance of making these hearings publicly accessible. When asked about the reasoning behind the private nature of Gates’ testimony, Burchett replied, “I can’t say, ma’am, it’s beyond my expertise.” He emphasized his belief in transparency, stating, “We should be open. That’s the consensus from both sides, and it’s the right approach. We applied that to the Clintons as well.”
Burchett further remarked that Gates looked “extremely exhausted and stressed” during questioning and suggested Epstein may have drawn Gates into his circle to impress others.
Rep. Robert Garcia, a Democrat from California and the committee’s ranking member, stated that there is a desire among Democrats on the committee for a public hearing. He noted, “We want people to see the recordings and have the testimonies released to the public. Ultimately, that decision lies with the president.” He expressed concern that the committee’s majority might not prioritize transparency for the public good.
Gates had brought on Jake Greenberg to assist with the committee’s investigation until December, ahead of his testimony, which surprised some ethics experts who suggested it could present conflict-of-interest issues.
The DOJ’s release of Epstein-related documents revealed troubling details about Gates’ relationship with Epstein, including allegations regarding STDs linked to sexual encounters with Russian women and mentions of planned meetings between the two. One email dated from 2013 showed Epstein urging Gates to erase an email relating to STD allegations, claiming he wanted to find antibiotics for his wife, Melinda.
Another email hinted at Epstein stepping down from the Gates Foundation while suggesting that Gates had helped him with drugs related to his sexual activities involving young women.
In February, Gates told 9News Australia that he had never visited Epstein’s island or met any women associated with him. He admitted to a three-year relationship that began in 2011, after Epstein served time for soliciting minors. Gates maintained, “I only went to a dinner. I’ve never been to the island or met the women. As more information emerges, it’s evident that I was mistaken about the timing, but it wasn’t related to any impropriety.”
