By Illinois Review
Kathryn “Kathy” Ruemmler, who served as White House Counsel under former President Barack Obama, has announced her resignation as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of Goldman Sachs following the release of additional Jeffrey Epstein documents by the U.S. Department of Justice.
The DOJ released the materials as part of a broader disclosure initiative under President Donald Trump. The documents detail communications between Ruemmler and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein between approximately 2014 and 2019.
Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to sex crimes involving a minor. The newly released materials show that Ruemmler remained in contact with him years after that conviction.
According to the documents, Ruemmler referred to Epstein in emails as “Uncle Jeffrey” and described him in familiar terms. The communications included discussions about media coverage, professional matters, and personal topics.
The records also indicate she accepted gifts from Epstein, including wine and handbags.
Some of the emails show Ruemmler advising Epstein on public relations issues and responding to media reporting about his criminal history. In one exchange, she characterized certain coverage as “rehashed crap.”
Ruemmler has previously stated that her interactions with Epstein were connected to her work as an attorney.
Before joining Goldman Sachs in 2020, she was a partner at Latham & Watkins, where she had professional dealings involving Epstein.
In a statement announcing her resignation, Ruemmler said the ongoing media coverage surrounding the document release had become a distraction.
“My responsibility is to put Goldman Sachs’s interests first,” she said, adding that stepping down was the appropriate course of action under the circumstances. Her resignation will take effect June 30, 2026.
Goldman Sachs confirmed the resignation. CEO David Solomon said he respected Ruemmler’s decision. Reports indicate he expressed disappointment over the development but acknowledged the impact of the renewed scrutiny.
Ruemmler joined Goldman Sachs after serving in the Obama administration from 2011 to 2014 as White House Counsel. In that role, she advised the president and senior officials on legal and ethical matters.
Prior to that, she served in senior roles at the Department of Justice.
The DOJ has not alleged criminal wrongdoing by Ruemmler in connection with the newly disclosed communications.
Epstein was arrested in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges and died later that year while in federal custody. Ruemmler has expressed regret about her association with Epstein and has maintained that her relationship with him stemmed from her legal work.
Goldman Sachs has not announced a successor to the Chief Legal Officer position. The company stated that leadership transition plans will be communicated in the coming months.
The resignation marks one of the most prominent corporate departures following the DOJ’s latest document release tied to Epstein.
