BREAKING: Kathryn Ruemmler, the Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of Goldman Sachs, has announced her resignation amid a growing scandal linked to Jeffrey Epstein. This urgent development comes just after the release of troubling emails that tie her to Epstein, whose criminal activities have raised significant concerns about high-profile figures associated with him.
Ruemmler’s departure will take effect on June 30, 2026, following the unveiling of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice that detail her correspondence with Epstein prior to his arrest in July 2019 on child sex trafficking charges. These revelations have intensified scrutiny on her past connections, marking a significant moment in the ongoing fallout from the Epstein saga.
In her statement, Ruemmler expressed her dedication to Goldman Sachs, 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.” She emphasized the need to prioritize the bank’s interests in light of the recent developments. Her resignation comes as another major shift in the landscape of executives stepping down due to Epstein-related controversies.
Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon praised Ruemmler’s contributions, stating, “Throughout her tenure, Kathryn has been an extraordinary general counsel.” He acknowledged her role as a mentor and friend to many within the firm, highlighting her impact over six years.
The scrutiny surrounding Ruemmler intensified following the release of emails showing her advising Epstein on public relations strategies related to his 2008 plea deal. In a March 2019 email, she suggested ways Epstein could respond to media criticism, indicating a closer association than previously disclosed. Ruemmler, a former white-collar criminal defense lawyer, has maintained that she never represented Epstein as a client, but her prior connections have raised serious questions.
Officials have revealed that Ruemmler was among three individuals Epstein contacted shortly after his arrest in 2019, as noted in handwritten FBI documents made public by the DOJ. This ongoing scrutiny reflects a broader examination of affiliations with Epstein, impacting numerous professionals across various sectors.
Amid this crisis, Ruemmler is not alone; her resignation follows that of Morgan Sweeney, chief of staff to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who also stepped down over Epstein links. In the U.S., Brad Karp, chairman of the law firm Paul Weiss, faced pressure to resign after emails surfaced, although he remains with the firm.
Goldman Sachs had defended Ruemmler previously, asserting that earlier emails were private communications occurring before her tenure with the bank. However, as new documents surface, the scrutiny of her interactions with Epstein continues to heighten, posing significant implications for her legacy and the firm.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Goldman Sachs and other entities navigating the fallout from Epstein’s enduring impact on their reputations. The ramifications of these revelations could redefine the careers of those previously associated with him.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story evolves.
