Kathy Ruemmler Resigns from Goldman Sachs Amid Epstein Scandal
High-profile attorney Kathy Ruemmler has announced her resignation from Goldman Sachs Group Inc., where she served as the top lawyer. The decision puts an end to a months-long controversy surrounding her previous associations with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The public scrutiny intensified following the release of millions of pages of documents by the US Department of Justice, which frequently mentioned Ruemmler’s name. Here
Unveiling Epstein’s Network
The released documents highlight several years of interactions between Ruemmler and Epstein, revealing that she had accepted numerous expensive gifts from him while addressing him with affectionate nicknames such as “Uncle Jeffrey” and “sweetie.” Despite the ongoing controversy, Goldman Sachs staunchly defended Ruemmler, stating that its executives were aware of her connections with Epstein before she was hired and that their interactions were purely professional.
Ruemmler’s Statement
In a statement announcing her resignation, Ruemmler acknowledged her primary responsibility to put Goldman Sachs’ interests first. Her decision to step down was respected and accepted by David Solomon, the Chief Executive Officer of Goldman Sachs. Ruemmler will officially depart from the bank on June 30, becoming one of the many leaders across business, politics, and academia who have resigned due to their ties with Epstein.
Background and Career
Before joining Goldman Sachs in 2020, Ruemmler had a distinguished career as a White House counsel during Barack Obama’s administration and as a practitioner at Latham & Watkins. Upon Solomon’s ascent to the helm of Goldman Sachs, he appointed Ruemmler as the bank’s top lawyer, entrusting her with the oversight of the firm’s response to all legal and regulatory matters.
The Epstein Connection Resurfaces
Despite Ruemmler and Goldman Sachs repeatedly asserting that her interactions with Epstein were professional, aiming to secure potential legal clients during her tenure at Latham, her connections with the convicted sex offender resurfaced in November 2025. A congressional committee released Epstein-related documents, including several email exchanges between Ruemmler and Epstein.
Legacy of a Scandal
Epstein, who pleaded guilty in 2008 to charges including procurement of a minor for prostitution, committed suicide in jail in 2019 while facing federal sex-trafficking charges. The documents released by the Justice Department showed the extent of his relationship with Ruemmler, including numerous expensive gifts he gave her, and evidence of her advising him on legal matters and media strategies.
Continued Support Amid Controversy
Despite the escalating controversy, Solomon continued to support Ruemmler, lauding her as an “excellent lawyer” and expressing satisfaction with the bank’s due diligence regarding her ties to Epstein. In his statement acknowledging her resignation, Solomon praised Ruemmler’s professional accomplishments and her role as a mentor and friend to many at the bank.
Widespread Impact and Resignations
Following the release of the Epstein-related documents, other high-profile figures have also faced scrutiny for their connections with the disgraced financier. This includes attorney Brad Karp, who recently stepped down as head of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, and former Harvard president and US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, who has expressed regret over his relationship with Epstein.
The scandal has not only impacted Wall Street but has also reached the United Kingdom, prompting the dismissal of Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the US and his resignation from the House of Lords. The situation is now posing a significant challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government.
