Gifts and soup from ‘Uncle Jeffrey“: The Epstein ties that ended Kathy Ruemmler’s run at Goldman

Kathy Ruemmler, Goldman Sachs' top lawyer, will resign on June 30, 2026, following the release of emails showing a close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The emails, released by the U.S. Department of Justice, revealed Ruemmler describing Epstein as an "older brother" and downplaying his sex crimes. Ruemmler, who previously served as White House counsel to President Barack Obama, had held her position at Goldman Sachs since 2020. Despite initially resisting calls for her resignation and calling Epstein a "monster" in recent statements, the emails showed a different relationship before his 2019 arrest, with Ruemmler referring to him as "Uncle Jeffrey." A Goldman Sachs spokesperson stated that Ruemmler "regrets ever knowing him."

Kathy Ruemmler, the top lawyer at Goldman Sachs, resigned following the release of investigative files revealing her ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The documents showed Ruemmler received gifts from Epstein, offered him reputation management advice, and likened him to a sibling. Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon acknowledged Ruemmler's resignation, praising her contributions to the firm. Ruemmler, a former White House counsel under President Obama, stated that media attention on her relationship with Epstein had become a distraction. She will step down from her role as chief legal officer and general counsel at the end of June. Ruemmler had previously expressed regret for knowing Epstein and denied providing him with legal representation.

Kathy Ruemmler, Goldman Sachs' Chief Legal Officer and former White House counsel to Barack Obama, resigned following the revelation of her close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Emails showed Ruemmler referred to Epstein as "Uncle Jeffrey" and expressed affection for him, even after his 2008 sex crimes conviction. She received expensive gifts from Epstein, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest, given Goldman Sachs' gift-giving policies. Despite initially defending her position, Ruemmler ultimately stepped down, with her resignation effective June 30, 2026. CEO David Solomon accepted her resignation and acknowledged her contributions to the firm. Epstein contacted Ruemmler on the night of his 2019 arrest.