Bill Gates photo from House Oversight Committee regarding Epstein
Bill Gates appears in a photo included among images released by the House Oversight Committee in connection with Jeffrey Epstein. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

The US Department of Justice released more than 3 million pages of Jeffrey Epstein's private files on 30 January 2026. The disclosure, mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, includes approximately 2,000 videos and 180,000 images collected during decades of federal investigations. The release has prompted renewed scrutiny of high-profile figures in the technology sector, as the public examines documents that were previously shielded from view.

The scale of the data has resulted in significant online speculation, particularly regarding the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. While the Department of Justice utilised a team of reviewers to redact sensitive information, technical errors have occasionally allowed for the recovery of blacked-out text. These failures have led to the circulation of unverified claims, as social media users attempt to identify names that investigators intended to keep private.

In a separate development, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has provided a public account of his ties to Epstein. During a town hall meeting with Gates Foundation staff on 24 February 2026, the 70-year-old philanthropist admitted to previous extramarital affairs and expressed regret over his association with the disgraced financier. This admission follows years of questioning regarding the nature of his meetings with Epstein, which Gates maintains were focused on global health initiatives.

Speculation Concerning Steve Jobs

Rumours concerning Steve Jobs' presence in the files have surged following reports that faulty redaction techniques allowed members of the public to recover hidden text. However, as of February 2026, there remains no verified evidence within the released documents to link Jobs to Epstein's criminal activities or his private island. Most mentions of the Apple co-founder pertain to a 'birthday book' compiled for Epstein's 50th birthday, which included well-wishes from dozens of global business and political leaders.

Investigators have noted that Jobs' name appears primarily in general business correspondence and high-level social lists, which were common for a figure of his global stature. The Justice Department has faced sharp criticism from victim advocates for the 'egregious' exposure of 43 survivors' names due to these technical errors. This atmosphere of procedural failure has allowed unverified names like Jobs to be highlighted by online speculators, despite the absence of any criminally implicating data in the official record.

Bill Gates and the Town Hall Admission

Bill Gates utilised a scheduled biannual town hall to address his history with Epstein directly, according to the Wall Street Journal. He admitted to two extramarital affairs, one involving a Russian bridge player, Mila Antonova, and another with a Russian nuclear physicist. Gates alleged that Epstein later attempted to use knowledge of these personal matters to 'extort' him, particularly after a refusal to participate in a multi-billion-dollar charitable fund (£1.5 billion).

During the meeting, Gates apologised to his staff and described his decision to meet with Epstein as a 'huge mistake'. He stated that the association had cast a shadow over the reputation of the Gates Foundation. While acknowledging the mistake, Gates denied having any knowledge of or involvement in Epstein's illicit activities. He clarified that he never visited Epstein's private island and that his interactions were limited to social and philanthropic discussions.

Impact of the Disclosure

The release of the files has led to broader discussions regarding the accountability of powerful individuals. While the Department of Justice claims to have fulfilled its legal obligations, some lawmakers and victim advocates argue that a significant portion of the material remains withheld. The distinction between social media rumour and verified investigative findings continues to be a primary focus as analysts work through the remaining 300 gigabytes of data.