CNBC's Interview with Warren Buffett July 15th 2026 (1080p HD)

Overview

In a CNBC interview, Warren Buffett defended his philanthropic decisions and discussed how his family—not external foundations—will control the majority of his giving and, over time, even parts of Berkshire Hathaway’s ownership.

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Philanthropy decisions: family foundations first, Gates Foundation none (right now)

“Watching and waiting” on the Gates-related controversy

• Buffett said he is “watching and waiting” due to allegations involving Bill Gates and the Epstein files.
• He argued his review of congressional testimony and cross-examination did not reveal anything beyond what Buffett “could picture” himself doing—while acknowledging that some trusted people made mistakes.

Reevaluating the overall situation, not a single moral trigger

• He said he reevaluated his “whole situation,” emphasizing practical and family-preparedness considerations more than one specific moral event.

History of giving to the Gates Foundation

• Buffett stated he previously gave the Gates Foundation substantial money, describing it as contributing a “great deal” (the interviewer referenced roughly $47 billion total).
• He characterized that earlier decision as “decent.”

Why his giving changed

• Buffett’s core reason: years ago, his children (who run the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation and two other children’s foundations) were not ready to receive “vast sums.”
• He now believes they are equipped to handle and distribute the money responsibly.

Governance philosophy: his children control, he doesn’t micromanage

• Buffett reiterated that once money is transferred, it ultimately belongs to his children.
• He does not micromanage day-to-day foundation decisions and even said he has never reviewed their Form 990s.

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How Buffett thinks about giving and control

• Buffett described a long-standing internal plan:
  • Compound wealth at a better rate than society typically does,
  • Then distribute through his wife and children, using a mix of his “wholesale” instincts and his wife’s “retail” involvement.
• He acknowledged uncertainty can force plan changes, but said he currently sees the plan as “ideal” and expects it to continue unless something major occurs.
• He emphasized that his kids’ foundations are designed to be low-bureaucracy, with most funds going out rather than being tied up in overhead or prestige spending.

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Timing: Berkshire shares disposal faster, by ~8 years from death

• Buffett said he wants Berkshire shares associated with his estate and the voting/ownership transition to be dispersed to charity sooner than his prior expectation.
• The target he discussed: dispersal by about 8 years from his death (by about the end of 2034).

Reason 1: decisions while still capable

• He linked the faster timeline to ensuring his children make decisions while they are still capable, referencing mortality and even cognitive decline (“keeping your marbles”).
• He said his will was written with clear mental capacity and he does not plan to change it, except for extremely important reasons.

Reason 2: maintaining Berkshire’s leadership continuity

• Buffett also said he trusts Berkshire leadership—especially Greg Abel—as the right internal steward to keep the company’s “painting” intact.
• Because of that, he sees less need to hold voting control indefinitely.

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Relationship with Bill Gates

• Buffett said he has spoken with Bill Gates again since an earlier March discussion (described as a call/meeting about three weeks before the interview).
• Buffett said Gates intends to call him again.
• Buffett stated he told Gates he would not be making further donations to the Gates Foundation, and described Gates as being “on board” with the change.
• Buffett also characterized their friendship as long-standing and mutually beneficial.

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AI/technology investing debate: Alphabet and the “capex game”

Addressing claims he “doesn’t like technology”

• Buffett pointed to Berkshire’s large position in Alphabet (Google).

What matters: capital returns, not narratives

• He argued Berkshire invests based on business quality and long-term returns on capital rather than headlines or “sexy” stories.

The key risk: can AI-driven capex produce real returns?

• Buffett framed the Alphabet issue as whether companies can earn returns on the massive capital expenditures required for AI.
• He suggested that old “asset-light” advantages may no longer apply and implied Wall Street may not focus enough on internal rates of return versus short-term storytelling.

Durability vs disruption

• He contrasted “wonderful business” durability with the reality that even great companies can face disruption over time.

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Apple confidence

• Buffett said he remains strongly supportive of Apple, especially Tim Cook.
• He implied Cook is difficult to replace soon (“don’t spend the next 300 years looking for another one”).
• He said Apple’s competitive efforts are substantial and that Berkshire’s enthusiasm for Apple can resemble gambling, but he still backs it based on fundamentals and management execution.

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Other market and regulatory commentary

Fed / interest rates

• Buffett reiterated that the Fed’s job is complex, with focus on inflation and employment.
• He suggested that Kevin Warsh (mentioned as a new FOMC chair) likely aims to do his best within strict constraints.

Coca-Cola lawsuit

• Buffett said he’s monitoring a long-running IRS/government dispute.
• He argued paying additional amounts wouldn’t break Coca-Cola or Berkshire.
• His key point: courts determine outcomes, and the decision comes down to weighing downside/upside.

Markets, AI, and valuation psychology

• Buffett said markets swing between fast opportunity and slower, more rational long-term value discovery.
• He criticized incentives that encourage “gambling” over investing.
• He also criticized government “cynicism,” where states pursue revenue through financial structures that incentivize hope-based speculation rather than relying on straightforward taxation.

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Closing tone

Buffett concluded with personal remarks about health and perspective, framing his life as fortunate and emphasizing his motivation to support society rather than preserve wealth for personal legacy.

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Presenters or contributors

• Warren Buffett
• CNBC interviewer (name not provided in the subtitles)
• Charlie Munger
• Bill Gates
• Greg Abel
• Kevin Warsh
• Tim Cook
• Brad Gerstner