Bill Gates set to testify as Epstein probe pulls in new names
Bill Gates set to testify as Epstein probe pulls in new names
Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAYWed, April 8, 2026 at 7:18 PM UTC
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Bill Gates is the latest powerful figure drawn into congressional scrutiny as newly released Justice Department files tied to Jeffrey Epstein continue to bring prominent names into the spotlight.
The Microsoft co‑founder is scheduled to sit for a transcribed interview with the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on June 10, a source familiar with the proceedings confirmed to USA TODAY.
Gates has previously said he had several dinners with Epstein, believing at the time that Epstein would use his wealthy connections to fundraise for global health causes.
“While he never witnessed or participated in any of Epstein’s illegal conduct, he is looking forward to answering all the committee’s questions to support their important work,” a Gates spokesperson told The Hill.
1 / 0High-profile figures in Epstein's emails: See newly released images
House Democrats on the Oversight Committee released photos on Dec. 12, 2025, from Jeffrey Epstein’s email that show Epstein with high-profile figures including Steve Bannon. Some images have had portions redacted by the Committee.
Here are some of the other prominent names that have been called before lawmakers to answer questions about Epstein.
Bill and Hillary Clinton
Former President Bill Clinton denied wrongdoing in his relationship with Epstein when House Republicans grilled him on Feb. 27 about the late financier's fundraising, numerous visits to the White House and pictures in Justice Department files.
He told lawmakers in his opening statement that he “had no idea of the crimes Epstein was committing" and dismissed the significance of his appearance in decades‑old photographs included in the records tied to Epstein’s estate.
A day later, on Feb. 26, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told lawmakers that she never met Epstein, never flew on his plane or visited his private island. She acknowledged knowing Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell “casually.”
“Like every decent person, I’ve been horrified by what we have learned about their crimes,” Hillary Clinton said.
Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks to the press after her a deposition with the House Oversight Committee as they investigate links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, in Chappaqua, New York, on February 26, 2026.Les Wexner
Also in February, billionaire retail executive Les Wexner appeared before Congress following a subpoena issued by House Democrats and described Epstein as a “world‑class con man” who had deceived him, according to his testimony.
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Wexner, who built companies including Victoria’s Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch, acknowledged that Epstein had previously served as a personal adviser with broad authority over multimillion‑dollar financial matters. He denied knowing about Epstein’s crimes or participating in the abuse of girls and young women, PBS News reported.
Ohio retail mogul Les Wexner shows a range of emotions during his Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 deposition about his former financial adviser and accused child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.Howard Lutnick
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has also agreed to testify voluntarily before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, with his appearance scheduled for May 6, according to committee leadership.
“(The Secretary) has proactively agreed to appear voluntarily before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform,” Committee Chair James Comer (R-Kentucky) wrote in a post on X. “I commend his demonstrated commitment to transparency.”
Lutnick previously told senators in February that he had visited Epstein’s private island in December 2012 and brought his wife, four children and their nannies. He said he couldn’t recall why they were at the island, Little Saint James, but that he saw no inappropriate activity.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick testifies before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on February 10, 2026 in Washington, DC.Pam Bondi
Former Attorney General Pam Bondi became a focal point of congressional scrutiny following the release of the Epstein files, with lawmakers sharply criticizing the Justice Department’s handling of the disclosures.
Tensions peaked during a contentious Feb. 11 hearing before the House Judiciary Committee, marked by heated exchanges between Bondi and House Democrats.
Following that testimony, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee subpoenaed Bondi to appear again on April 14 to answer further questions related to the Epstein files.
Lawmakers say the Epstein investigation is far from over, setting the stage for more high‑profile names to be called before Congress.
USA TODAY’s Zac Anderson, Sarah Wire, Bart Jansen, Josh Meyer, and Kathryn Palmer contributed to this report.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bill Gates to testify about Epstein before congressional panel
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