Bill Gates attends the 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 21, 2026. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
(New York, New York) – A document released by the U.S. Department of Justice as part of the Epstein files contains a quote attributed to correspondence involving Jeffrey Epstein that references Bill Gates and a controversial question about “how do we get rid of poor people as a whole.”
The passage appears in a written communication included in the DOJ document trove and reads, in part: “I’ve been thinking a lot about that question that you asked Bill Gates, ‘how do we get rid of poor people as a whole,’ and I have an answer/comment regarding that for you.” The writer then asks to schedule a phone call to discuss the matter further.
The file does not provide context for the statement, nor does it indicate whether the alleged question was asked directly, rhetorically, or in what setting it may have occurred. There is no accompanying evidence in the document showing that Gates made such a statement, endorsed the sentiment, or participated in any related discussion.
Neither Gates nor representatives for his foundation have publicly commented on the specific quote. Gates has previously stated he never had a close relationship with Epstein and has said past interactions were a mistake.
Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. The DOJ’s ongoing release of Epstein-related materials includes emails, notes, and third-party statements collected during investigations. Officials have cautioned that the documents contain unverified claims and allegations that were not necessarily substantiated or acted upon.
As with other materials in the Epstein file releases, the quote reflects what appears in investigative records, not findings of fact or conclusions by prosecutors.
