Goldman Sachs Lawyer Kathy Ruemmler Resigns Over Epstein Emails/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Goldman Sachs’ top lawyer Kathy Ruemmler announced she will resign. Her departure follows revelations of close ties and emails with Jeffrey Epstein. The emails showed affectionate language and acceptance of luxury gifts.
Kathy Ruemmler Resignation Over Epstein Emails Quick Look
- Ruemmler stepping down June 30, 2026
- Emails described Epstein as “older brother”
- Accepted luxury gifts after 2008 conviction
- Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon accepted resignation
- Firm previously expressed confidence in her leadership
Goldman Sachs Chief Legal Officer Kathy Ruemmler to Resign After Epstein Email Revelations
NEW YORK — Kathy Ruemmler, the chief legal officer of Goldman Sachs and former White House counsel to President Barack Obama, announced Thursday she will step down from her role following scrutiny over previously undisclosed communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Ruemmler said she will resign as Goldman Sachs’ Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel effective June 30, 2026. Her departure comes after emails revealed she maintained a close relationship with Epstein years after his 2008 conviction for sex crimes.
The messages showed Ruemmler referring to Epstein in affectionate terms, including calling him an “older brother” and “Uncle Jeffrey,” while downplaying his criminal history. The revelations intensified pressure on both Ruemmler and the investment bank, raising concerns about ethics and reputational risk.
Emails Reveal Warm Personal Ties
Before Epstein’s 2019 arrest on federal sex trafficking charges and subsequent death in a Manhattan jail, Ruemmler’s tone toward him was markedly different from her later public condemnations.
Although she has more recently described Epstein as a “monster,” earlier correspondence portrayed a friendly relationship. In one 2018 message, Ruemmler wrote: “So lovely and thoughtful! Thank you to Uncle Jeffrey!!!” after receiving luxury gifts.
Following the disclosure of those emails, a Goldman Sachs spokesperson said Ruemmler “regrets ever knowing him.”
Luxury Gifts Raise Ethical Questions
During her time in private practice after leaving the White House in 2014, Ruemmler reportedly received high-end gifts from Epstein, including luxury handbags and a fur coat. The gifts were provided years after Epstein had already pleaded guilty in Florida to sex crimes and was required to register as a sex offender.
Wall Street firms traditionally maintain strict policies regarding gift exchanges between clients and legal advisors due to potential conflicts of interest and anti-bribery compliance concerns.
Goldman Sachs’ code of conduct requires employees to obtain preapproval before accepting gifts from clients. Such policies are designed to avoid ethical conflicts and reputational damage.
The company did not indicate whether internal compliance procedures were violated but confirmed Ruemmler’s resignation had been accepted.
Goldman CEO Responds
Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon issued a statement acknowledging Ruemmler’s departure.
“As one of the most accomplished professionals in her field, Kathy has also been a mentor and friend to many of our people, and she will be missed,” Solomon said. “I accepted her resignation, and I respect her decision.”
As recently as December, Solomon had publicly described Ruemmler as an “excellent lawyer” and reaffirmed his support.
Leadership and Reputation at Stake
Ruemmler joined Goldman Sachs in 2020 as its top legal executive, overseeing regulatory matters, risk management, and legal compliance. In her resignation statement, she emphasized her duty to prioritize the firm’s interests.
“My responsibility is to put Goldman Sachs’ interests first,” she said, noting her six-year tenure overseeing legal, regulatory, and reputational matters.
Her resignation marks another high-profile ripple effect from the continuing fallout surrounding Epstein’s network of associates and the scrutiny faced by prominent individuals and institutions linked to him.
Goldman Sachs has not yet announced a successor.
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