The House Oversight Committee’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein is widening, with lawmakers requesting testimony from several high-profile figures connected to the late financier. Among those asked to appear are Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Goldman Sachs’ chief legal officer Kathryn Ruemmler, and billionaires Leon Black and Ted Waitt.
According to congressional officials, Gates, Ruemmler, and Black quickly agreed to participate in voluntary, transcribed interviews with the committee. The panel is examining Epstein’s extensive network of associates as part of its effort to better understand how the disgraced financier maintained connections with powerful individuals even after earlier legal troubles.
The committee is also seeking testimony from Doug Band, a longtime aide to former President Bill Clinton; Lesley Groff, Epstein’s former executive assistant; and Sarah Kellen, another former assistant who worked closely with Epstein during the years when many allegations of abuse surfaced.
A spokesperson for Bill Gates said the billionaire supports the committee’s investigation and intends to answer questions about his interactions with Epstein.
“Gates welcomes the opportunity to appear before the Committee,” the spokesperson said. “While he never witnessed or participated in any of Epstein’s illegal conduct, he is looking forward to answering all the committee’s questions to support their important work.”
Kathryn Ruemmler, who has served as Goldman Sachs’ top lawyer, also agreed to testify. Her spokesperson explained that her past contact with Epstein occurred while she was practicing as a criminal defense attorney.
“At the time she interacted with Jeffrey Epstein, she was a practicing criminal defense attorney and shared a client with him,” said spokesperson Jennifer Connelly. “She has done nothing wrong and had no knowledge of any ongoing criminal activity on his part.”
The request for Ruemmler’s testimony comes shortly after she announced plans to leave Goldman Sachs at the end of June, following renewed media attention on email exchanges she previously had with Epstein.
Billionaire investor Leon Black, the co-founder of private equity giant Apollo Global Management, has also agreed to appear. Black previously acknowledged paying Epstein for tax and estate planning services.
A spokesperson for Black said he had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal conduct at the time.
“Mr. Black paid Epstein for tax and estate planning work and he had no awareness of Epstein’s criminal activity,” the spokesperson said. “He looks forward to answering the committee’s questions and providing additional clarity.”
Meanwhile, the committee’s inquiry has also reached into the Trump administration. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has voluntarily agreed to testify about his relationship with Epstein, according to Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.).
Lutnick acknowledged in earlier Senate testimony that he visited Epstein’s private Caribbean island in 2012 with his family. The disclosure drew attention because Lutnick had previously indicated that he had ended contact with Epstein years earlier.
