.jpg)
Investor and philanthropist Warren Buffett announced he will
cease donating to the Gates Foundation, ending a philanthropic partnership that
spanned nearly two decades and during which he contributed more than $47
billion in Berkshire Hathaway stock. In his most recent annual donation,
Buffett decided to channel approximately $6 billion exclusively to foundations
managed by members of his family.
The decision comes amid growing scrutiny of meetings Bill
Gates held years ago with Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sex crimes. In
recent weeks, the release of new documents and testimonies related to those
meetings has reignited the public debate about the relationship between the
two, although Gates has repeatedly stated that he regrets the encounters,
denied any involvement in illicit activities, and does not face criminal
charges in this matter.
Buffett did not elaborate on the reasons for his decision,
but confirmed that the Gates Foundation will no longer be among the
beneficiaries of his donations. He also reiterated that the remainder of his
fortune will be gradually distributed among his children's foundations before
the end of 2034, thus modifying the donation scheme he had maintained since
2006.
The exclusion of the
Gates Foundation represents a significant shift in the philanthropic strategy
of the Berkshire Hathaway chairman, who for years was one of the main
benefactors of the organization created by Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates.
The announcement has generated reactions in the financial
and philanthropic sectors, where analysts believe Buffett's decision could have
a symbolic impact on the landscape of large charitable organizations.