Prominent Figures Face Fallout Over Epstein Ties

Resignations and investigations follow release of new Epstein files

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Several high-profile figures around the world have faced renewed scrutiny and fallout this week over their ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Department of Justice recently released millions of pages of material related to Epstein, leading to the resignation or removal of some prominent individuals from their roles.

Why it matters

The Epstein files have triggered leadership shake-ups across business and government, as more communications and logs become public. While appearing in the Epstein files does not necessarily indicate criminal wrongdoing, the revelations have led to the downfall of several influential figures.

The details

The investigations and resignations span multiple countries and industries. In Norway, police searched properties linked to former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland as part of a probe into alleged ties to Epstein. Global logistics giant DP World replaced its CEO and chairman, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, over his relationship with Epstein. Former White House counsel Kathy Ruemmler announced her resignation from Goldman Sachs amid fallout from emails connecting her to Epstein. Casey Wasserman, chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, said he is selling his talent and marketing agency after emails between him and Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell were revealed.

  • The Department of Justice published more than 3 million pages of material under the Epstein Files Transparency Act in early 2026.
  • Thorbjørn Jagland's properties were searched by Norwegian police this week as part of an investigation.
  • DP World announced the replacement of Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem as CEO and chairman on Friday.
  • Kathy Ruemmler announced her resignation from Goldman Sachs on Thursday, effective June 30, 2026.
  • Casey Wasserman said he is selling his agency on Friday.

The players

Thorbjørn Jagland

Former Prime Minister of Norway who is under investigation for alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem

Former CEO and chairman of global logistics giant DP World, who has been replaced amid scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein.

Kathy Ruemmler

Former White House counsel to President Barack Obama who is resigning from her role as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of Goldman Sachs.

Casey Wasserman

Chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee who is selling his talent and marketing agency after emails between him and Ghislaine Maxwell were revealed.

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What they’re saying

“Among other things, Økokrim will investigate whether gifts, travel and loans were received in connection with his [Nobel] position.”

— Pål Lønseth, Director of Økokrim, Norway's national authority for investigating and prosecuting economic and environmental crime (Newsweek)

“Since I joined Goldman Sachs six years ago, it has been my privilege to help oversee the firm's legal, reputational, and regulatory matters; to enhance our strong risk management processes; and to ensure that we live by our core value of integrity in everything we do. My responsibility is to put Goldman Sachs' interests first.”

— Kathy Ruemmler (Associated Press)

“I'm deeply sorry that my past personal mistakes have caused you so much discomfort. It's not fair to you, and it's not fair to the clients and partners we represent so vigorously and care so deeply about.”

— Casey Wasserman (The Wall Street Journal)

What’s next

The judge in the case against Thorbjørn Jagland will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

The fallout from the Epstein files has led to the resignation or removal of several prominent figures across business and government, underscoring the far-reaching impact of the disgraced financier's ties to influential individuals. These events highlight the importance of transparency and accountability, even for those in positions of power.