The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is set to reduce its workforce by approximately 20%, translating to roughly 500 positions, as part of a comprehensive restructuring effort. This development comes as the foundation faces an external evaluation concerning its past connections with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

In response to a Wall Street Journal report revealing that employees were briefed via a memo on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Gates Foundation confirmed to Fox News Digital that the review had been initially communicated last month in an organization-wide email. Both the board and Bill Gates have endorsed this examination. The foundation, however, has not clarified if these job reductions are directly linked to the review.

The intention to downsize was previously outlined earlier this year as part of the foundation’s financial planning. Meanwhile, the ongoing review has reignited public interest in the foundation’s historical dealings with Epstein, as well as its criteria for evaluating partnerships, sparking broader discussions about governance within one of the world’s largest philanthropic entities.

According to a foundation statement, “Earlier this year, Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman initiated an external review to evaluate past interactions with Epstein and to assess our current procedures for vetting and forming new philanthropic collaborations. This review is in progress, and the board, along with management, anticipates receiving an update by this summer.”

The Gates Foundation further disclosed to Fox News Digital that the workforce reduction was initially announced in a January press release, aligning with discussions around its budget plans for 2026.

The organization also said employees were informed about the job cuts during discussions of its 2026 budget in a January press release.

“This cap will reduce the foundation’s current headcount target of 2,375 positions by up to 500 positions by 2030, with targets and timelines to be calibrated on an annual basis,” the press release said.

The Gates Foundation was founded by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his ex-wife, Melinda Gates.

The review comes as renewed attention has been placed on Epstein’s connections. In February, the Department of Justice released more than 3 million of Epstein’s investigative records, including personal emails. Bill Gates’ name appeared in the emails, which reportedly indicated he had affairs while married to Melinda Gates and sought medication to treat a sexually transmitted infection without her knowledge.

Bill Gates (left) has previously spoken about his connection to Jeffrey Epstein. (Getty Images)

Gates later reportedly acknowledged having two affairs that Epstein was aware of but said neither involved Epstein’s victims.

“I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” Gates said, according to a town hall recording reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.

Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation, is scheduled to appear before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee June 10 to speak about his relationship with Epstein. (Ore Huiying/Bloomberg)

Bill Gates is scheduled to appear before the House Oversight Committee June 10 for a transcribed interview as part of its ongoing investigation into Epstein.