Goldman Sachs' Top Lawyer Resigns After Epstein Ties Revealed

Kathy Ruemmler stepped down following emails showing close relationship with disgraced financier

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Kathy Ruemmler, the top lawyer at Goldman Sachs and former White House counsel, has resigned after emails surfaced showing a close personal relationship between her and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The emails revealed Ruemmler referred to Epstein as an "older brother" and downplayed his sex crimes, even receiving expensive gifts from him after his 2008 conviction.

Why it matters

Ruemmler's close ties to Epstein raise serious ethical concerns, as Wall Street firms typically prohibit such personal relationships and gift-giving between employees and clients. Her resignation highlights the reputational damage that can occur when senior executives are linked to high-profile individuals accused of sexual misconduct.

The details

The emails showed Ruemmler had a much different relationship with Epstein than she had publicly portrayed. She referred to him as "Uncle Jeffrey" and said she "adored" him, even after he had already been convicted of sex crimes in 2008 and was a registered sex offender. Ruemmler also received expensive gifts from Epstein, including luxury handbags and a fur coat, which is against Goldman's code of conduct.

  • Ruemmler resigned on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
  • Epstein was arrested a second time for sex crimes in 2019 and later died by suicide in jail.
  • Ruemmler received gifts from Epstein in 2018, after his 2008 sex crimes conviction.

The players

Kathy Ruemmler

The former top lawyer at Goldman Sachs and ex-White House counsel to President Barack Obama, who resigned after emails revealed her close personal relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

A disgraced financier who was convicted of sex crimes in 2008 and later died by suicide in jail in 2019 after being arrested a second time for sex trafficking.

David Solomon

The CEO of Goldman Sachs, who had previously expressed full faith and backing in Ruemmler as the firm's top lawyer.

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What they’re saying

“So lovely and thoughtful! Thank you to Uncle Jeffrey!!!”

— Kathy Ruemmler (Email)

“Ruemmler 'regrets ever knowing him.'”

— Goldman Sachs spokesperson (Statement)

What’s next

It is unclear if Goldman Sachs will pursue any further action or investigation into Ruemmler's relationship with Epstein.

The takeaway

This case highlights the reputational risks that can arise when senior executives maintain close personal ties with individuals accused of serious misconduct, even if those ties predate the allegations. It underscores the importance of robust ethical standards and oversight at major financial institutions.