Epstein Emails Reveal Close Ties Between Top Goldman Sachs Lawyer and Disgraced Financier

Newly released communications add new details to the relationship between Kathy Ruemmler and Jeffrey Epstein.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Newly released email exchanges have shed fresh light on the close relationship between Kathy Ruemmler, a former Obama White House counsel who is now the chief legal officer at Goldman Sachs, and the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The emails provide additional details about the nature of their interactions, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and Ruemmler's judgment.

Why it matters

Ruemmler's high-profile position at Goldman Sachs, one of the world's most influential financial institutions, makes her relationship with Epstein a matter of significant public interest. The revelations raise concerns about potential ethical lapses and underscore the need for greater transparency around the activities of top corporate lawyers and their associations with controversial figures.

The details

The newly released emails show that Ruemmler and Epstein communicated frequently, with Epstein sometimes seeking Ruemmler's advice on legal matters. The nature of their relationship, including the extent to which Ruemmler may have provided Epstein with privileged information or assistance, is not entirely clear from the available evidence.

  • The emails were released to the public in February 2026.

The players

Kathy Ruemmler

A former Obama White House counsel who is now the chief legal officer at Goldman Sachs, one of the world's largest investment banks.

Jeffrey Epstein

A disgraced financier who was convicted of sex trafficking and died in prison in 2019.

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What they’re saying

“We must get to the bottom of these revelations and understand the full nature of the relationship between Ruemmler and Epstein.”

— Senator Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator

What’s next

Lawmakers and regulators are expected to investigate the matter further, with a focus on potential conflicts of interest and any ethical breaches by Ruemmler.

The takeaway

The Epstein-Ruemmler emails underscore the need for greater scrutiny and transparency around the activities of top corporate lawyers, especially those with close ties to powerful and controversial figures. This case highlights the potential risks of such relationships and the importance of maintaining the highest ethical standards in the legal profession.