Epstein Files Mention Shreveport After Email Calls City a 'Dump'

A newly released batch of documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein includes an email from a former White House official disparaging the Louisiana city.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 6:31am

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A newly released batch of documents tied to the Jeffrey Epstein case includes an email from Kathryn Ruemmler, a former White House Counsel under President Obama, in which she refers to Shreveport, Louisiana as 'a dump' after apparently visiting the city in the early morning hours of May 2017. The email has gone viral on social media, with many Louisiana residents responding with a mix of humor, frustration, and defense of their city.

Why it matters

The mention of Shreveport in the Epstein files has drawn national attention, as the broader release of Epstein-related documents has sparked concerns about heavy redactions and whether the public is seeing the full picture. The email also highlights the divisive nature of the Epstein scandal and the strong reactions it can provoke, even over seemingly minor references.

The details

In the email dated May 2017, Ruemmler, who now works as an attorney at Goldman Sachs, wrote that she was 'just leaving Shreveport' in the early morning hours and called the city 'a dump'. The email has resurfaced as part of a new Justice Department release of millions of pages of documents related to the Epstein case, which was mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

  • The email was sent in May 2017.

The players

Kathryn Ruemmler

A former White House Counsel under President Barack Obama who is now a top attorney at Goldman Sachs.

Jeffrey Epstein

The financier whose sex trafficking case and death in custody sparked a major scandal and investigation.

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What’s next

The Justice Department has said it will continue to release additional documents related to the Epstein case in the coming months, which could potentially uncover more references to Shreveport or other unexpected locations.

The takeaway

The mention of Shreveport in the Epstein files, while seemingly minor, has struck a nerve with many Louisiana residents and highlights the intense public interest and scrutiny surrounding the Epstein scandal. It also underscores the need for transparency and accountability in high-profile investigations, even when they touch on seemingly tangential details.