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Manhattan Today
By the People, for the People
Goldman CEO Defends Departing Lawyer Kathryn Ruemmler
Ruemmler resigns amid scrutiny over past ties to Jeffrey Epstein
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon defended the bank's outgoing chief legal officer, Kathryn Ruemmler, after she resigned amid mounting scrutiny over her past ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Solomon praised Ruemmler as an "extraordinary general counsel" and a "tremendous human being," despite the controversy surrounding newly released Justice Department files that revealed email exchanges between Ruemmler and Epstein.
Why it matters
Ruemmler's resignation highlights the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal and the challenges faced by companies and individuals with past connections to the disgraced financier. The revelations about Ruemmler's relationship with Epstein raise questions about the vetting process for high-level corporate positions and the potential risks of associating with controversial figures.
The details
The Justice Department files showed a series of emails between Ruemmler and Epstein, including correspondence after his 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution from a minor. In the messages, Ruemmler referred to Epstein as an "older brother," signed off emails with "xoxo," and at times appeared to downplay his criminal history. The emails also showed Epstein sending her gifts, including offers to purchase a luxury Hermes Apple Watch band.
- Ruemmler will formally leave Goldman Sachs on June 30, 2026.
- The Justice Department files were released beginning in January 2026.
The players
David Solomon
The CEO of Goldman Sachs who defended Kathryn Ruemmler's departure from the firm.
Kathryn Ruemmler
The former chief legal officer of Goldman Sachs who resigned amid scrutiny over her past ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein
The disgraced financier who was convicted of sex trafficking and died in jail in 2019.
What they’re saying
“I'm disappointed that it got to this. But I respect her decision, and we are moving on.”
— David Solomon, CEO, Goldman Sachs (CNBC)
“It was putting her in a position where it was hard for her to execute on her job and her responsibilities, and she just thought it was time to step away.”
— David Solomon, CEO, Goldman Sachs (CNBC)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
