Kathryn Ruemmler Testifies on Relationship With Jeffrey Epstein

Former White House Counsel and former Goldman Sachs chief legal officer Kathryn Ruemmler testified Wednesday in a closed-door session before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The hearing follows the release of U.S. Justice Department documents showing Ruemmler maintained extensive communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein between 2014 and 2019, accepted lavish gifts, and advised him on media inquiries.

During her testimony, Ruemmler characterized Epstein as a "masterful liar" and stated she regrets dealing with him. She denied knowing about Epstein's abuse of minors, claiming she believed his 2008 conviction had resolved his criminal conduct. Department of Justice files, however, revealed a close friendship during which Ruemmler used terms of endearment in emails and criticized victims' rights lawyers.

Ruemmler resigned from her top legal role at Goldman Sachs at the end of June due to the scrutiny but remains at the firm in an advisory capacity. This transition, managed by CEO David Solomon, drew criticism from lawmakers including Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi and Senator Elizabeth Warren. The committee is using the testimony to investigate how Epstein leveraged influential figures to maintain wealth and power, as well as the federal government's handling of his cases.