Two unexpected revelations in Warren Buffett's CNBC interview - CNBC

What the report says

CNBC reported that Warren Buffett used a nearly hourlong interview with Becky Quick in Omaha to explain two decisions that surprised investors and philanthropy watchers: ending future annual gifts to the Gates Foundation and taking responsibility for Berkshire Hathaway’s large investment in Alphabet. The interview followed Buffett’s public disclosure that he would redirect future giving away from the Gates Foundation toward foundations tied to his family.

According to CNBC, Buffett said Bill Gates’ past association with Jeffrey Epstein was not the reason he stopped future donations to the foundation, though he described the matter as troubling. Buffett said the main factor was his confidence that his three children can now manage and distribute very large charitable sums responsibly. CNBC reported that Buffett had given the Gates Foundation nearly $48 billion in Berkshire shares over two decades, valued when donated, while also giving almost $18 billion to four family-linked foundations.

Buffett also said he is increasing the pace of his stock donations, with the aim of disposing of all his Berkshire shares in roughly eight years. He linked that faster timetable partly to his children’s ages and said Greg Abel’s leadership at Berkshire makes him comfortable reducing family control sooner. CNBC said Berkshire shares initially declined after the announcement but recovered to finish the week only slightly lower.

On investing, CNBC highlighted Buffett’s statement that he initiated Berkshire’s position in Alphabet, contradicting assumptions that Abel had driven the move as Berkshire’s new chief executive. Buffett said Abel approves major actions and is the final decision-maker, while he remains involved in discussions. The report said Berkshire’s Alphabet stake has grown to about $30 billion, including a direct share purchase from the company tied to Alphabet’s AI funding plans.