Bill Gates testifies on Epstein ties in closed-door House hearing

The Microsoft co-founder arrived on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to answer the House Oversight Committee’s questions about his ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Gates told reporters outside the closed-door hearing he hoped his voluntary testimony would aid the committee’s work and help achieve the mission of justice for victims.

What exactly was he questioned on? Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., told reporters that lawmakers wanted a better understanding of Gates’ relationship with both Epstein and his co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell. The committee wanted to know what Gates saw and if he knew of Epstein’s crimes before they were made public, Comer said. No one is accusing Gates of wrongdoing, and the committee appreciated him testifying voluntarily, the chairman added.

Comer took issue with the committee’s Democratic lawmakers, characterizing them as dead weight in the investigative process. Democrats only ask questions centered on President Donald Trump and Mar-a-lago, while Republicans are just trying to find the truth and understand the government’s failure, Comer said.

Gates marked the committee’s 15th interview in its investigation into Epstein, Comer said. The bipartisan committee planned to hear testimony from private investor Leon Black and former Clinton aide Doug Band later this month, Comer said. The committee also hoped to hear from former Barclays CEO Jes Staley, attorney Alan Dershowitz, and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche in July, he added.

What have Democrats had to say? House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Robert Garcia, D-Calif., praised the decision to bring Blanche in for questioning. He accused Blanche of withholding the release of certain Epstein files and releasing the private info of some Epstein survivors. He went on to call for Blanche to be placed under oath and for his testimony to be broadcast in a public hearing.

Gates’ testimony came less than two weeks after former Attorney General Pamela Bondi testified about her oversight of the Epstein files’ release. The House committee heard from both President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton about their relationship with Epstein earlier this year.