Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates finds himself at the intersection of philanthropy, energy innovation and renewed scrutiny in early March 2026, as a House committee seeks his testimony on ties to Jeffrey Epstein and federal regulators approve construction for his TerraPower nuclear reactor in Wyoming.

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, led by Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), sent a letter March 3 requesting Gates appear for a transcribed interview on May 19 regarding the federal investigation into Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's death and sex-trafficking networks. The panel cited public reporting, Justice Department documents and committee-obtained materials suggesting Gates has relevant information.

Gates' spokesperson indicated he plans to cooperate. "Gates welcomes the opportunity to appear before the Committee," the statement said. Gates has repeatedly denied involvement in Epstein's crimes, expressing regret over their association in past interviews and a foundation town hall.

The request names Gates alongside six others — including Goldman Sachs' Kathryn Ruemmler, Apollo's Leon Black and others — for interviews between April and June. The probe examines alleged mismanagement in Epstein-related investigations and broader trafficking issues. Gates' name surfaced in Epstein correspondence released by the DOJ in recent years, though no criminal allegations have been made against him.

Amid this, Gates' energy ventures advanced significantly. On March 4, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued its first commercial reactor construction permit in nearly a decade to TerraPower, the company Gates founded and primarily funds. The sodium-cooled Natrium reactor in Kemmerer, Wyoming, targets 345 megawatts and aims for operation in the early 2030s, with construction starting soon and an operating license application planned for late 2027 or early 2028.

TerraPower touts the plant — estimated at up to $4 billion — as a breakthrough using high-assay low-enriched uranium fuel for safer, more efficient power. Gates has positioned nuclear as essential for AI data centers' massive energy needs and climate goals. "This will revolutionize how power is generated," he has said, emphasizing next-generation designs to support clean, reliable baseload energy.

The approval marks progress in Gates' Breakthrough Energy efforts, launched a decade ago to scale clean tech. In his January 2026 annual letter "Optimism with Footnotes," Gates warned global progress risks stalling without sustained innovation and aid, urging investments despite setbacks like foreign aid cuts.

The Gates Foundation's 2026 agenda accelerates toward a 2045 closure, committing $200 billion total over the next 20 years — including a record $9 billion payout this year — to eradicate diseases like polio, malaria and tuberculosis while advancing AI in health and climate adaptation. CEO Mark Suzman highlighted three goals: saving lives, reducing inequities and building resilient systems.

Gates expressed cautious optimism in the letter, noting reversals in global health but predicting a "new era of unprecedented progress" within a decade if innovation pipelines hold. He stressed AI's role in education, agriculture and healthcare, including partnerships like Horizon 1000 with OpenAI for African clinics.

Philanthropically, Gates continues divesting personal wealth to the foundation, focusing on high-impact areas. His portfolio through the foundation trust includes major stakes in Waste Management, Berkshire Hathaway and others, though specific March updates remain limited.

The dual headlines — congressional summons and nuclear milestone — underscore Gates' enduring influence and controversies. At 70, he balances climate advocacy, health philanthropy and public accountability.

As TerraPower breaks ground and the Oversight probe unfolds, Gates' actions in 2026 could shape energy transitions and public trust in billionaire philanthropists.

© International Business Times