Kathryn Ruemmler, a prominent lawyer and former White House counsel under Barack Obama, has announced her resignation from Goldman Sachs as chief legal officer after emails surfaced that disclosed her close ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Her departure is effective June 30, 2026, and follows intensifying public scrutiny regarding her connections to Epstein.

In her statement regarding the resignation, Ruemmler emphasized her intention to step down amid the controversy, marking a significant shift from her previous stance where she had distanced herself from the allegations relating to Epstein and maintained her role since 2020. The scandal surrounding Epstein and his interactions with numerous high-profile figures has reignited discussions on accountability and ethics within the corporate and political spheres.

Ruemmler's comments in the past, where she referred to Epstein as a "monster," contrast sharply with the nature of her communications with him prior to his arrest in 2019. This juxtaposition raises important questions about the ethical responsibilities of those in powerful positions and the potential implications for their careers when faced with association to controversial figures like Epstein.