Former Obama Counsel Resigns as Goldman Sachs' General Counsel After Epstein Revelations

Kathryn Ruemmler steps down following release of Justice Department files on her relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Kathryn Ruemmler, who served as White House counsel under former President Barack Obama, is resigning from her role as general counsel of Goldman Sachs after the Justice Department released files detailing her relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The files include email exchanges between Ruemmler and Epstein, as well as records of scheduled meetings and events involving the two.

Why it matters

Ruemmler's resignation highlights the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal, which has implicated numerous high-profile individuals. Her close ties to Epstein, even years after his 2008 conviction, raise questions about the extent of his influential network and the judgment of those who associated with him.

The details

The Justice Department files show that Ruemmler and Epstein exchanged emails between 2014 and 2019, the year Epstein died in federal custody. In one 2015 email, Ruemmler said she "adored" Epstein and referred to him as an "older brother." The files also indicate that Epstein's calendar included dozens of scheduled meetings and events involving Ruemmler, including a note about arranging a "Glam Squad" for her New York apartment. Additionally, Epstein asked Ruemmler in 2015 if she could arrange a White House tour for filmmaker Woody Allen and his wife, which ultimately took place in December of that year.

  • In 2023, Ruemmler told the Wall Street Journal, "I regret ever knowing Jeffrey Epstein."
  • Ruemmler's resignation from Goldman Sachs takes effect on June 30, 2026.

The players

Kathryn Ruemmler

Former White House counsel under President Barack Obama who is resigning as general counsel of Goldman Sachs after the release of Justice Department files detailing her relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

Convicted sex offender who died by suicide in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

David Solomon

CEO of Goldman Sachs, who accepted Ruemmler's resignation and praised her as an "extraordinary general counsel" who will be missed.

Woody Allen

Filmmaker who was granted a White House tour in 2015 after Epstein asked Ruemmler if she could arrange it.

Soon Yi

Woody Allen's wife, who was also granted a White House tour in 2015 along with Allen.

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What they’re saying

“I adore him. It's like having another older brother!”

— Kathryn Ruemmler (Justice Department files)

“I assume woody would be too politically sensitive?”

— Jeffrey Epstein (Justice Department files)

“I regret ever knowing Jeffrey Epstein.”

— Kathryn Ruemmler (Wall Street Journal)

What’s next

The Justice Department is expected to continue its investigation into Epstein's influential network and the individuals who associated with him.

The takeaway

Ruemmler's resignation highlights the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal and the scrutiny faced by those with ties to the convicted sex offender, even years after his initial conviction. The revelations raise questions about judgment and the extent of Epstein's influential network.