The professional standing of Kathryn Ruemmler, Goldman Sachs’ Chief Legal Officer and former White House Counsel, is under intense scrutiny following the release of a massive trove of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. As of 12 February 2026, newly unsealed emails and records have detailed a relationship far more extensive than previously acknowledged, prompting internal unease at the Wall Street firm.
Deepening Ties to Jeffrey Epstein
Recent disclosures from the Justice Department have placed Ruemmler at the centre of a growing controversy regarding her past interactions with the late convicted sex offender. Key findings from the 12 February 2026 reports include:
- The “First Call” Revelation: Court documents indicate that when the FBI arrested Epstein at Teterboro Airport in 2019, Ruemmler was one of the first three people he called, reportedly telling her, “This is really bad.”
- “XOXO” and “Uncle Jeffrey”: Emails reveal a familiar tone between the two, with Ruemmler signing off messages with “xoxo” and occasionally referring to Epstein as “Uncle Jeffrey.”
- Legal and Media Advice: Despite Ruemmler’s assertions that she never formally represented Epstein, the files suggest she provided him with strategic advice on handling press inquiries and navigating his public reputation between 2014 and 2019.
- Gifts and Luxury: Records show Epstein gifted Ruemmler high-end items, including a $9,400 Hermes bag and spa treatments at the Four Seasons, citing that she “needs some pampering.”
Goldman Sachs Response and Internal Friction
Despite the “swirl” of controversy, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon has publicly stood by Ruemmler. The firm maintains that it conducted thorough due diligence before hiring her in 2020. However, reports from Puck News and the Australian Financial Review suggest growing unease among top executives and staff, particularly given Ruemmler’s role as Chair of the Firmwide Conduct Committee.
Ruemmler’s legal team has denied any improper conduct, stating that the exchanges were part of a professional relationship during her time in private practice at Latham & Watkins. They emphasize that she has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing.
Career Background and Legacy
Before the current controversy, Ruemmler was widely regarded as one of the most powerful lawyers in Washington and on Wall Street:
- White House Counsel: She served as the top lawyer for President Barack Obama from 2011 to 2014, becoming the longest-serving White House Counsel in that administration.
- Enron Prosecution: She gained national prominence as a federal prosecutor and Deputy Director of the Enron Task Force, delivering the government’s closing argument in the trial of Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling.
- Corporate Leadership: At Goldman Sachs, she oversees the firm’s global legal department and serves on the influential Management Committee.
As of February 2026, the fallout continues to impact Ruemmler’s public profile, with her name appearing over 9,000 times in the latest batch of Epstein-related files. While she remains in her post at Goldman Sachs, the disclosure of her “deep ties” to Epstein has sparked a broader debate regarding the vetting of elite legal professionals in the post-Epstein era.