Goldman Sachs' Top Lawyer Resigns Over Epstein Ties

Kathy Ruemmler stepped down after documents revealed she accepted gifts from the late sex offender and advised him on media inquiries.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A top Goldman Sachs attorney who once served as White House counsel under President Barack Obama has resigned after Justice Department documents revealed she accepted gifts from the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and advised him on how to handle media inquiries about his crimes.

Why it matters

The resignation highlights the continued fallout from the Epstein scandal and the scrutiny on those who had close ties to the disgraced financier. Ruemmler's role as a top lawyer at Goldman Sachs also raises concerns about the influence of powerful individuals with connections to high-profile figures.

The details

Emails revealed in the Epstein files show Ruemmler referred to her former client as "Uncle Jeffrey" and received gifts from him including wine and a handbag. The documents also show that in 2018, Epstein and Ruemmler discussed President Donald Trump's legal and criminal exposure, with an apparent focus on Trump's ongoing New York hush-money investigation.

  • On February 13, 2026, Goldman Sachs confirmed Kathy Ruemmler's resignation.
  • In 2018, Epstein and Ruemmler discussed President Donald Trump's legal and criminal exposure.

The players

Kathy Ruemmler

A top Goldman Sachs attorney who once served as White House counsel under President Barack Obama.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late sex offender who had close ties to Ruemmler, including receiving gifts from him and discussing legal matters with him.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president whose legal and criminal exposure was discussed by Epstein and Ruemmler in 2018.

Barack Obama

The former U.S. president during whose administration Ruemmler served as White House counsel.

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What they’re saying

“It has been my privilege to help oversee the firm's legal, reputational and regulatory matters … and to ensure that we live by our core value of integrity.”

— Kathy Ruemmler, Former Goldman Sachs Attorney (USA TODAY)

“It makes no difference whether it was his money. Issue is failure to disclose. Plus, fact that he has lied his ass off about it makes clear that he knew it was illegal.”

— Kathy Ruemmler (Reuters)

What’s next

The Justice Department is expected to continue investigating Ruemmler's ties to Epstein and any potential wrongdoing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing scrutiny on those with close connections to Jeffrey Epstein and the continued fallout from the Epstein scandal, even years later. It raises questions about the influence of powerful individuals and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the legal and financial sectors.