SEATTLE, 25 February 2026 – Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is facing a week of intense public scrutiny following a series of personal admissions and strategic shifts within his philanthropic empire. During a town hall meeting held yesterday, 24 February, Gates addressed long-standing questions regarding his past associations and personal conduct, while simultaneously outlining a massive A$13.8 billion (US$9 billion) spending plan for the Gates Foundation in 2026.
Personal Admissions and Public Fallout
In a significant departure from his usual focus on global health and technology, Gates reportedly used a recent staff meeting to “take responsibility for his actions.” According to reports emerging this morning, Gates acknowledged having had two past relationships with Russian women and expressed regret over his previous ties to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. He admitted these mistakes have “overshadowed” the work of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Public reaction to these revelations has been swift. In Seattle, reports indicate that Gates has begun “shrinking” his famous A$200 million (US$132 million) “Xanadu” compound as he undergoes a period of public withdrawal. Meanwhile, his reputation continues to face challenges in the United States, even as similar Epstein-related scandals have led to more immediate political consequences for figures in Europe.
The 2026 Philanthropic Strategy
Despite the personal controversy, the Gates Foundation remains the world’s largest philanthropic donor. The organisation has confirmed a record-breaking budget of US$9 billion for the 2026 calendar year. This funding is part of a strategic “ramp-up” as the foundation prepares for its planned closure in 2045.
However, the foundation’s recent “Goalkeepers Report” issued a stark warning: without increased international assistance, an additional 12.5 million child deaths could occur by 2045. This comes at a time when Gates has faced criticism for a “strategic pivot” in his climate advocacy. His investment arm, Breakthrough Energy, recently ceased new investments from its “Catalyst” project finance wing, and Gates himself has issued memos warning against “climate alarmism,” stating that climate change will not lead to “humanity’s demise.”
Bill Gates: Profile and Key Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Henry Gates III |
| Date of Birth | 28 October 1955 |
| Place of Birth | Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Education | Harvard University (Dropped out) |
| Co-Founded Microsoft | 1975 (with Paul Allen) |
| Net Worth (Est. 2026) | A$165 billion (US$107.7 billion) |
| Primary Philanthropy | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bill Gates still involved with Microsoft?
While Gates co-founded Microsoft in 1975 and served as its CEO and Chief Software Architect for decades, he stepped down from the board in 2020 to focus on philanthropy. He remains one of the company’s largest individual shareholders but does not manage day-to-day operations.
What is the Gates Foundation’s 2026 goal?
The foundation plans to spend US$9 billion this year. The primary focus remains on eradicating polio, reducing child mortality, and improving food security in Sub-Saharan Africa, though recent reports suggest a slight retreat from specific climate and racial equity advocacy in the U.S.
Why is the Gates Foundation closing in 2045?
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates previously decided that the foundation should spend all of its resources and close its doors within 20 years of their deaths. The current timeline has been accelerated to ensure the capital is deployed to solve urgent global crises “in the now” rather than being held in perpetuity.