Kathryn Ruemmler, former White House counsel under Barack Obama, is stepping down from her role as chief legal officer at Goldman Sachs following public backlash over emails showing her close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
The emails, released by the Justice Department, revealed that Ruemmler referred to Epstein as “Uncle Jeffrey,” discussed a possible visit to his private island, and frequently exchanged warm messages with the convicted sex offender. In one message, she wrote about being “tricked out by Uncle Jeffrey” with luxury items including boots, a handbag, and a watch. Another email described Epstein as being “like an older brother.”
Despite her departure from Goldman, Ruemmler denies any wrongdoing. She insists that her relationship with Epstein was professional, stemming from her time as a criminal defense attorney. Her spokeswoman emphasized that she “has done nothing wrong and has nothing to hide.”
Ruemmler served as White House counsel from 2011 to 2014 and joined Goldman Sachs afterward. She had previously been considered one of Obama’s closest legal advisers, handling a wide range of issues from national security to foreign policy. Her resignation from Goldman will be effective June 30.
The emails span several years following Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor. In one exchange, she wrote Epstein to wish him a happy birthday and remarked that he should enjoy the day with his “one true love.” Another email from a 2017 trip asked about taking a “day trip” to Epstein’s notorious island, Little Saint James. Ruemmler’s team said she never went.
Her spokeswoman characterized the interactions as part of the legal world’s networking culture, noting that Epstein often gave unsolicited gifts and asked for informal advice. “At times, Epstein sought informal advice, and she provided feedback based on her understanding at the time,” the statement read. “If she knew then what she knows now, she never would have dealt with him at all.”
Ruemmler’s exit comes despite continued support from Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon. “Kathy has been an extraordinary general counsel, and we are grateful for her contributions,” Solomon said in a statement. “She has also been a mentor and friend to many of our people.”
Her departure adds to a growing list of powerful figures whose reputations have been damaged by their ties to Epstein, whose connections spanned Wall Street, politics, academia, and media. The emails, many of which had remained sealed until now, have intensified scrutiny of those who maintained relationships with Epstein after his first conviction.
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