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House Oversight Presses Epstein Probe With Gates Testimony And Planned Blanche Hearing
House Oversight interviewed Lesley Groff, a former Jeffrey Epstein assistant, in a closed-door transcribed session on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.[1]
The committee also took a voluntary closed-door, transcribed interview from Bill Gates on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.[2]
Gates' appearance will be released as a written transcript only, and he told reporters he hoped his testimony would help provide justice for Epstein's victims.[3] Justice Department files show Gates met Epstein multiple times after Epstein's 2008 conviction, appear in thousands of documents and photos, and include emails alleging an STI that Gates' spokesperson calls "absolutely absurd and completely false." NPR
On March 3, 2026, Oversight Chair James Comer sent letters requesting transcribed interviews with several people tied to Epstein's operation, setting the current round of witness sessions and document demands in motion. The committee has already released thousands of pages of DOJ files and interviewed high-profile figures including Bill and Hillary Clinton, Les Wexner, Leon Black, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and former Attorney General Pam Bondi.[1]
Early coverage framed Gates as a cooperative, noncriminal witness, but newer reporting has focused on increasingly detailed Epstein files and emails that deepened scrutiny and prompted survivors and advocates to demand more transparency.[2] Oversight has said it plans more interviews, including inviting Alan Dershowitz to respond to issues raised by Groff's testimony and survivor statements.[4]
Comer said he is working with the Justice Department to have Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche testify in July to clarify "what, if any, documents are left out there" from the committee's Epstein files release.[4] Democrats on Friday, June 12, 2026 pressed the Bureau of Prisons for records after a May policy change allowing the attorney general to designate or redesignate a prisoner's confinement raised questions about Ghislaine Maxwell's August 2025 transfer to a Texas minimum-security camp.[5]
The mainstream summary frames Bill Gates as a cooperative witness, but it does not delve into the implications of his testimony regarding Epstein's attempts to leverage personal information against him. Gates reportedly described his meetings with Epstein as a 'grave error in judgment' and acknowledged that he was aware of Epstein's status as a convicted sex offender when their relationship began. This context raises questions about the nature of Gates' interactions with Epstein, which the summary overlooks. Additionally, the summary does not mention the specific Bureau of Prisons (BOP) policies that apply to sex offenders, which generally disqualify them from minimum-security facilities unless a waiver is granted. These policies are crucial for understanding the scrutiny surrounding Ghislaine Maxwell's transfer to a minimum-security camp, a point that has sparked significant controversy among advocates for justice and transparency regarding Epstein's network. The lack of this detail in the mainstream account suggests a more complex narrative regarding the treatment of high-profile offenders and the systemic issues within the federal justice system that may be at play.[6][7]
Show source details & analysis (12 sources)
📊 Relevant Data
BOP policy applies a 'sex offender' Public Safety Factor to inmates convicted of sex trafficking offenses, generally requiring placement in at least low-security facilities and disqualifying them from minimum-security camps unless a waiver is granted by the chief of the Designation and Sentence Computation Center.
Ghislaine Maxwell's transfer to cushy prison camp is a 'travesty of justice,' ex-BOP official says — NBC News
As of 2022, minimum-security federal prison camps housed approximately 15.4% of the total BOP inmate population, or 24,323 individuals, who are primarily non-violent offenders with low security scores.
Minimum-Security Federal Prison Camp — Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
📌 Key Facts
- On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, former Epstein assistant Lesley Groff sat for a closed-door transcribed interview before the House Oversight Committee as part of its Epstein probe (Lesley Groff).
- Groff, who worked for Jeffrey Epstein from 2001 until his July 2019 arrest, appears repeatedly in the released Justice Department records (her name appears more than 160,000 times in those documents) and her lawyers say she was unaware of Epstein’s illicit activity and has never been charged (Epstein-related documents).
- PBS reporting says Groff managed Epstein’s schedule — including arranging his daily massages that prosecutors described as the context for recruiting women and girls — and that in a 2021 interview she characterized those massages as being "presented like it was totally normal" (2008 non-prosecution agreement).
- Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates voluntarily sat for a closed-door, transcribed interview with the committee on Wednesday, June 10, 2026; the committee will not videotape the session and only a written transcript will be released afterward (Bill Gates).
- Justice Department files and emails show Gates met Epstein multiple times after Epstein’s 2008 conviction, appears in thousands of documents and photos, and include allegations (which Gates’ spokesperson calls "absolutely absurd and completely false") about an STI and related emails; survivors and advocates have urged more transparency from the committee (Justice Department files).
- Gates has said his relationship with Epstein ran roughly from 2011 through 2014, has called the association a "huge mistake" or "grave error in judgment," retained attorney Jake Greenberg to prepare for his interview, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation commissioned an external review of past contacts in March 2026 (Jake Greenberg).
- Oversight Chair James Comer said on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 that he is working with the Justice Department to have Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche testify before the committee in July to clarify "what, if any, documents are left out there" under the Epstein Files Transparency Act (Todd Blanche).
- Reporting and committee testimony show former Attorney General Pam Bondi delegated oversight of the Epstein documents review to Blanche and that Blanche’s interview of Ghislaine Maxwell in July 2025 preceded her transfer to a minimum-security camp — developments that the committee says warrant Blanche’s answers (Todd Blanche).
- A May 2026 Bureau of Prisons policy says the Attorney General "may exercise authority to designate or redesignate the place of a prisoner's imprisonment," prompting Rep. Deborah Ross and other Democrats on June 12, 2026 to demand documents and explanations tying the policy change to Ghislaine Maxwell’s August 2025 transfer to a Texas minimum-security camp (Federal Bureau of Prisons).
- The committee’s probe has included interviews with numerous high-profile figures (including Bill and Hillary Clinton, Les Wexner, Leon Black, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and former Attorney General Pam Bondi) and Oversight said it plans additional interviews — including inviting Alan Dershowitz to respond to issues raised by Groff’s testimony and survivors (House Oversight Committee).
📰 Source Timeline (12)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
June 12, 2026
9:00 AM
Democrats demand answers over DOJ’s prison policy change tied to Ghislaine Maxwell
New information:
- Article reveals a previously unreported Bureau of Prisons policy, published in May 2026, that states 'in certain circumstances, the Attorney General may exercise authority to designate or redesignate the place of a prisoner's imprisonment.'
- It reports that on Friday, June 12, 2026, Rep. Deborah Ross sent a letter to the Federal Bureau of Prisons demanding documents and explanations about why and how that policy change was made and how often attorneys general have used this authority.
- Democrats Ross, Jamie Raskin and Ro Khanna explicitly tie their concerns to Ghislaine Maxwell's August 2025 transfer from a low-security Florida facility to a minimum-security camp in Texas shortly after a meeting with then–Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.
- Ross alleges the prior rules barred housing sex offenders at the Texas 'Club Fed' camp and limited who could authorize transfers, and claims the new policy appears designed to retroactively legitimize an improper Maxwell transfer.
- The article notes DOJ and BOP did not respond to MS NOW's requests for comment on the policy change as of publication.
June 10, 2026
10:51 PM
Bill Gates says his Epstein ties were a "grave error in judgement" on Capitol Hill
New information:
- On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Bill Gates appeared before the House Oversight Committee and told members his ties to Jeffrey Epstein were a 'grave error in judgment.'
- Gates' remarks came as part of the committee's ongoing investigation into the government's handling of the Epstein case and followed his previously scheduled, closed-door transcribed interview.
- CBS reported that Gates delivered this characterization of his Epstein relationship on Capitol Hill during the public-facing portion of his appearance.
3:40 PM
WATCH: Bill Gates says he hopes Epstein interview is 'helpful' for providing justice to survivors
New information:
- On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Bill Gates arrived voluntarily at the U.S. Capitol to sit for a closed-door House Oversight Committee interview in the Epstein files investigation.
- Gates told reporters as he entered that he hoped his testimony would be helpful to the committee’s work to find justice for Epstein’s victims and emphasized that he appeared voluntarily.
- The article reiterates that Chair James Comer formally requested Gates' testimony after Gates appeared multiple times in Justice Department Epstein files, including calendars, emails about philanthropic projects, and photos.
- The piece restates that Gates' documented relationship with Epstein ran from 2011 until at least late 2014, three years after Epstein’s 2008 Florida plea, and that Gates has not been accused of wrongdoing and has called the association a 'huge mistake.'
- The article notes that the Gates Foundation in February acknowledged a small number of staff contacts with Epstein, that no joint charitable fund or payments resulted, and that CEO Mark Suzman ordered an external review of past engagement in March 2026.
3:33 PM
Bill Gates on Capitol Hill to testify on Jeffrey Epstein probe
New information:
- On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Bill Gates is appearing in person on Capitol Hill to face questions from the House Oversight Committee as part of its Jeffrey Epstein probe.
- CBS notes the hearing is actively underway on June 10, with Gates expected to be questioned directly by committee members.
3:13 PM
Oversight chair working to have Blanche testify in Epstein probe
New information:
- On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Oversight Chair James Comer said he is working with the Justice Department to have Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche testify before the committee in July about DOJ’s Jeffrey Epstein investigation and remaining documents.
- Comer identified the committee’s main question for Blanche as clarifying "what, if any, documents are left out there" from the Epstein files release required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
- Rep. Robert Garcia previously pressed Comer to bring in Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel after former Attorney General Pam Bondi testified that she delegated oversight of the Epstein documents review and release process to Blanche while he was deputy attorney general.
- Bondi also indicated in her testimony that it was Blanche’s decision to interview Ghislaine Maxwell in July 2025; days after that interview, Maxwell was transferred to a minimum-security federal prison camp in Texas.
- Comer said he intends to invite former Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz to answer questions that arose from Lesley Groff’s testimony and statements from Epstein survivors.
- The article reiterates that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is testifying on June 10, 2026, and that Lesley Groff appeared for a transcribed interview on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, as part of the same probe.
1:28 PM
What to know about Bill Gates' relationship with Jeffrey Epstein as he is interviewed in House probe
New information:
- On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Bill Gates told reporters before entering the House Oversight Committee interview that he hoped his "testimony is helpful to the important work of the committee to find justice for the victims."
- PBS reports Gates appears more than 3,000 times in Justice Department documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
- In a February 2026 interview with 9 News Australia, Gates said he met Jeffrey Epstein in 2011 and had a relationship with him for about three years.
- The article notes Gates has not been publicly accused of wrongdoing by any of Epstein's survivors.
- The New York Times reported Gates retained attorney Jake Greenberg, former chief investigations counsel for House Oversight who previously oversaw the Epstein probe, to help prepare him for the June 10 interview.
- House Oversight Committee Democrats released photos showing Gates with Epstein pilot Lawrence Visoski, former British prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and unidentified women whose faces are obscured.
- Justice Department files include at least two 2013 emails Epstein sent to himself, one appearing to be a draft resignation letter for Boris Nikolic, an adviser to Gates, from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
- PBS reiterates that Gates' testimony is part of the committee's broader investigation into federal handling of Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases, alongside prior interviews with figures including Bill and Hillary Clinton, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, former Attorney General Pam Bondi, Epstein assistants and a former prison guard.
11:31 AM
Bill Gates faces House investigators over Jeffrey Epstein ties
New information:
- Fox reports that Bill Gates 'will participate in a voluntary interview with the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, June 10, 2026,' confirming the planned timing and that it is voluntary.
- The article emphasizes that the focus of lawmakers' questioning will be Gates' relationship with Jeffrey Epstein after Epstein's 2008 conviction, including 2011-2014 correspondence about philanthropy and socializing.
- Fox highlights files indicating Epstein appeared to discover Gates' extramarital affairs with two Russian women during his marriage, and that Gates has said these did not involve Epstein's victims.
- The piece reiterates on-the-record comments from a Gates spokesperson that he 'welcomed the opportunity' to testify and 'never witnessed or participated in any of Epstein’s illegal conduct.'
- Fox lists other prominent figures who have already sat for committee interviews (Les Wexner, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Pam Bondi, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick) and names additional upcoming witnesses (Kathryn Ruemmler and Leon Black).
10:00 AM
Bill Gates to appear today before House committee investigating Epstein
New information:
- CBS reports on June 10, 2026 that Bill Gates' relationship with Jeffrey Epstein lasted from 2011 through 2014, as Gates told staff at the Gates Foundation in a February 2026 apology.
- The article details July 2013 emails Epstein sent to himself alleging Gates had extramarital "sex with Russian girls" that led to an STI and that Gates intended to "surreptitiously" give antibiotics to Melinda Gates, claims Gates’ spokesperson calls "absolutely absurd and completely false."
- CBS recounts Wall Street Journal reporting that in a February 2026 town hall Gates admitted having affairs with a Russian bridge player and a Russian nuclear physicist, while not linking those admissions to Epstein’s STI claims.
- The article describes 2017 text messages in which an adviser tells Epstein that Gates was interested in a donor-advised fund Epstein wanted to run but that Melinda Gates did not want Bill communicating with Epstein; the adviser added Gates "loves you," "he says hi," and "he feels bad" about not moving forward.
- CBS lists additional high-profile figures already interviewed by the House committee, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Les Wexner, Leon Black, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Ghislaine Maxwell and former Attorney General Pam Bondi, as of June 10, 2026.
10:00 AM
Bill Gates to testify before House Oversight Committee on Epstein
New information:
- Article states that Bill Gates is scheduled to appear before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, as part of its Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
- It reiterates that Gates is not charged with any crime or accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein as of June 10, 2026.
- Gates' spokesperson told MS NOW in April 2026 that Gates "never witnessed or participated in any of Epstein's illegal conduct" and that he looks forward to answering all committee questions.
- The piece notes the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation commissioned an external investigation into its ties to Epstein in March 2026.
- The article lists other high-profile figures who have already testified to the committee, including Les Wexner, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and several of Epstein's former assistants.
9:00 AM
Bill Gates to appear before Congress over Epstein involvement
New information:
- Bill Gates is scheduled to sit for a closed-door, transcribed interview before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, as part of its Epstein investigation.
- The committee will not video-record Gates' appearance, unlike the earlier videotaped testimony of Bill and Hillary Clinton; only a written transcript will be released afterward.
- Gates’ spokesperson said in April that he "welcomes the opportunity" to appear and reiterated that he "never witnessed or participated in any of Epstein's illegal conduct."
- Justice Department Epstein files show Gates met Epstein multiple times after Epstein’s 2008 sex-crime conviction, planned to fly on Epstein’s private plane in 2013, and appears in photos with Epstein and others.
- Epstein emails in the released files claim he helped Bill Gates obtain medication for a sexually transmitted infection allegedly linked to "sex with russian girls" and that Gates supposedly wanted to give the medication to Melinda French Gates without her knowledge; Gates’ spokesperson calls these claims "absolutely absurd and completely false."
- Melinda French Gates told NPR in a February 2026 interview that the Epstein-related documents about Gates filled her with "unbelievable sadness" and that any remaining questions are for her ex-husband and others "to answer," not her.
- Survivor Annie Farmer told NPR on Monday, June 8, 2026, that many people do not realize how long and personal Epstein and Gates’ relationship was, underscoring victims’ calls for more transparency from the committee.
June 09, 2026
2:15 PM
Who is Lesley Groff, Jeffrey Epstein's former assistant being interviewed in House probe?
New information:
- The PBS article confirms that on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Lesley Groff is scheduled for a closed-door transcribed interview before the House Oversight Committee as part of its Epstein probe.
- Groff worked for Jeffrey Epstein from 2001 until his July 2019 arrest and her name appears more than 160,000 times in the millions of Epstein-related documents released by the Justice Department.
- Groff's attorneys maintain she was unaware of Epstein's illicit activities and she has never been charged with a crime, despite being named as a potential co-conspirator in Epstein's 2008 non-prosecution agreement, which pledged the U.S. would not bring charges against her.
- PBS details that Groff managed Epstein's schedule, including arranging his daily massages, which the 2019 indictment described as the context in which women and girls were recruited for abuse; she told prosecutors in a 2021 interview that the massages were 'presented like it was totally normal.'
- The article recounts Groff's description of workplace dynamics: Maxwell instructed her not to fraternize with Epstein or his contacts, Epstein berated her and threatened to fire her for attending a party, and he reacted harshly to scheduling mistakes, telling her she had 'ruined his whole day.'
- PBS lists other notable figures who have already given testimony in the same House probe, including Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, former Attorney General Pam Bondi, and a former prison guard on duty the night before Epstein's death.