House Oversight Summons Bill Gates, Leon Black and Six Others to Testify on Jeffrey Epstein Ties
The House Oversight Committee has summoned seven people, including Bill Gates and Leon Black, to testify in Washington about reported ties to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell as part of a federal probe into the government’s handling of the case.
Key takeaways
- Seven individuals — including Bill Gates and Leon Black — were called to provide interviews or testimony about their connections to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell; the committee cites reporting and DOJ materials. Oversight release
- Scheduled interviews include transcribed and transcribed interviews in May and April; parties say they will cooperate while denying wrongdoing in public statements.
- Broad inquiry focuses on how federal agencies handled investigations, potential ethics violations, and whether records should be declassified or released for public review. Committee announcement
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Who the committee called and scheduled dates
Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder: The committee scheduled a transcribed interview for May 19. A spokesperson said Gates will appear, “welcomes the opportunity,” and “never witnessed or participated in any of Epstein’s illegal conduct,” and looks forward to answering questions. Bill Gates
Leon Black, co-founder of Apollo Global Management: Scheduled for May 13. Black has faced civil allegations tied to Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse and has denied such claims. The committee cites his financial and personal ties, including payments for tax and estate planning work. Leon Black
Kathryn Ruemmler, former White House counsel: Scheduled to testify April 21. Ruemmler resigned from Goldman Sachs amid scrutiny over reported contacts with Epstein; her spokesperson said she will cooperate, did nothing wrong, and had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activity. Kathryn Ruemmler
Lesley Groff and Sarah Kellen: Both are former longtime employees of Epstein and are listed by the committee as people who may hold relevant information. Lesley Groff and Sarah Kellen
Doug Band: A longtime personal aide and counselor to Bill Clinton was asked to appear. Doug Band
Ted Waitt: Tech billionaire and a former boyfriend of Ghislaine Maxwell was included in the list of those the committee said could provide information. Ted Waitt
What the committee is investigating
Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) says the broad inquiry seeks to determine how federal agencies handled the Epstein and Maxwell investigations, whether laws were properly enforced, whether officials committed ethics violations, and what information remains classified or undisclosed. The committee has requested Suspicious Activity Reports from the Treasury Department as part of that effort.
Document requests and subpoenas
The panel has issued subpoenas and requests to multiple parties, saying it received more than 33,000 pages of records from the DOJ and demanding more. It has subpoenaed the Epstein estate and Ghislaine Maxwell and sought testimony from current and former officials. The committee has also requested Suspicious Activity Reports with deadlines extending into late 2025. DOJ record release and Treasury SAR request
Recent testimony: the Clintons and others
The committee conducted closed-door interviews with Bill and Hillary Clinton last week, each lasting over four hours, and then released full depositions to the public. The panel also plans a bipartisan meeting with Epstein survivors and has signaled cooperation with a Task Force on Declassification of Federal Secrets to make records public where appropriate. Committee coordination
Evidence sources cited by the committee
Chairman Comer’s letters point to public reporting, documents released by the Department of Justice, and documents obtained by the Committee as the basis for asking individuals to appear. The letters cite millions of emails produced in the DOJ probe that included communications from Epstein’s accounts; journalists and investigators have mined those records for links between Epstein and wealthy or powerful figures. Chairman Comer’s letters and DOJ material reporting have been central to the outreach. DOJ-produced emails reporting
Statements from people called and their representatives
- Bill Gates: A spokesperson told Fox News Digital Gates will appear for a transcribed interview on May 19 and “welcomes the opportunity to appear before the committee,” adding Gates “never witnessed or participated in any of Epstein’s illegal conduct.” Statement
- Kathryn Ruemmler: Her spokesperson said she will cooperate, denied knowledge of any criminal activity tied to Epstein, and welcomes testifying. Ruemmler statement
- Leon Black: Black has faced legal claims and public scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein; the committee’s request echoes prior civil allegations published in news reports. Background
Broader political dynamics
The probe has drawn attention across party lines. Chairman Comer frames the effort as focused on government handling and transparency. Democrats are pursuing parallel efforts, including calls to subpoena other officials with reported ties to Epstein — for example, efforts to subpoena Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and inquiries tied to past island travel. Related reporting
Public records and the DOJ production
The committee has publicly posted more than 33,000 pages of DOJ records it received and says more than 34,000 pages have been produced overall, with additional materials pending review. Investigators argue that full public disclosure of documents — including flight logs, ledgers and transactional records — is needed to understand the scope of Epstein’s network and any possible failures by government officials. DOJ records release and additional reporting
Implications for Las Vegas, Nevada
Economic impact: Las Vegas is a global tourism hub and could see effects if the committee’s work prompts wider scrutiny of private jets, island travel, banking records, or luxury real-estate transactions — leading to more compliance checks and higher costs for operators. Oversight on SARs
Political consequences: Nevada leaders may face constituent pressure for transparency and safeguards against trafficking and money-laundering; the probe could spur state and local policy proposals. Committee announcement
Social effects: Survivors and advocacy groups could receive renewed attention and resources if congressional findings lead to policy changes; local nonprofits and law enforcement may be asked to coordinate with federal investigators. Oversight actions
Cultural relevance: High-profile hearings and disclosures can affect public perception of safety and reputation in Las Vegas; city leaders and business groups will monitor the probe for any mention of local properties, companies, or travel routes. Context
Practical applications for residents: Workers in hospitality and gaming may see additional training or partnerships with federal agencies; residents can follow public releases from the House Oversight Committee and expect local briefings if Nevada entities are implicated. Document postings
Ongoing developments and how to follow them
The committee’s outreach and subpoenas are active and the list of people called may grow as it reviews additional DOJ material and public records. The Oversight Committee posts releases and documents on its website, and many depositions and document batches have been made public for reporters and residents to review.
“We welcome the opportunity to appear before the committee,” a spokesperson for Bill Gates said, adding Gates “never witnessed or participated in any of Epstein’s illegal conduct.”
Follow the committee’s official pages for releases, subpoenas, and document postings to track developments and public disclosures.
