Goldman Sachs GC Kathy Ruemmler Resigns Amid Epstein Ties

Revelations of gifts and personal relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein led to questions about Ruemmler's judgment.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Kathy Ruemmler, the general counsel of Goldman Sachs, has resigned from her position after revelations about her personal relationship and gifts received from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Documents show a deeper connection between Ruemmler and Epstein than previously disclosed, including intimate email exchanges, social plans, and expensive gifts that went beyond a typical lawyer-client relationship. The fallout has raised questions within Goldman Sachs about Ruemmler's judgment and potential conflicts of interest.

Why it matters

Ruemmler's resignation highlights the reputational risks that Wall Street firms face when their top executives have close ties to controversial figures. The revelations about Ruemmler's relationship with Epstein, even after his 2008 conviction, raise concerns about her judgment and adherence to Goldman's code of conduct, which requires pre-approval for gifts from clients.

The details

Documents show that Ruemmler received numerous expensive gifts from Epstein, including luxury handbags, a fur coat, and an Apple Watch, even after he was convicted of sex crimes in 2008 and registered as a sex offender. Their correspondence also indicates a deeper personal relationship, with discussions about dating, careers, and mundane topics. Ruemmler previously downplayed her ties to Epstein, calling him a 'monster,' but the new documents depict a more intimate relationship than she had acknowledged.

  • Epstein was first convicted of sex crimes in 2008.
  • Ruemmler received gifts from Epstein after his 2008 conviction.
  • Epstein was arrested a second time for sex crimes in 2019.
  • Ruemmler joined Goldman Sachs in 2020 and became the firm's top lawyer in 2021.
  • Ruemmler announced her resignation on February 13, 2026.

The players

Kathy Ruemmler

The former general counsel of Goldman Sachs who has resigned from her position after revelations about her personal relationship and gifts received from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who had a personal relationship with Kathy Ruemmler, including exchanging gifts and emails beyond a typical lawyer-client relationship.

David Solomon

The CEO of Goldman Sachs, who respected Ruemmler's decision to resign and said the firm would ensure a smooth transition.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Since I joined Goldman Sachs six years ago, it has been my privilege to help oversee the firm's legal, reputational, and regulatory matters; to enhance our strong risk management processes; and to ensure that we live by our core value of integrity in everything we do. My responsibility is to put Goldman Sachs' interests first.”

— Kathy Ruemmler (The Associated Press)

“We respect Kathy's decision and will work to ensure a smooth transition as she winds down her work at the firm by June 30.”

— David Solomon, CEO, Goldman Sachs (The Associated Press)

What’s next

Goldman Sachs is expected to name a new general counsel to replace Ruemmler, who will depart the firm by the end of June.

The takeaway

The fallout over Kathy Ruemmler's ties to Jeffrey Epstein underscores the reputational risks that Wall Street firms face when their top executives have close relationships with controversial figures, even if those relationships are portrayed as professional. The revelations raise questions about Ruemmler's judgment and adherence to Goldman's code of conduct, ultimately leading to her resignation.