Ruemmler says it was a mistake to deal with Jeffrey Epstein and tells lawmakers her emails have been misread as the House Oversight Committee expands its inquiry.
Kathryn Ruemmler, Goldman Sachs’ former top lawyer and White House counsel to President Barack Obama, is set to appear before the House Oversight Committee as lawmakers deepen a bipartisan investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s network of influential contacts. In prepared remarks, Ruemmler says it was a mistake to associate with Epstein, that he lied to her, and that many of her emails with him have been taken out of context or misinterpreted. She says that, given what she now knows about him, she wishes she had never dealt with him at all. The committee’s review has already included testimony from more than a dozen prominent figures, including Bill Gates and former President Bill Clinton, and Ruemmler is described as the 17th witness. She previously announced she would step down from Goldman Sachs’ top legal role on June 30 after backlash over her correspondence with Epstein, but she remains employed by the bank. Documents released by the Justice Department showed a relationship that went beyond formal legal work, including personal emails, social plans and gifts. The records also showed the two remained close years after Epstein’s 2008 sex-crimes conviction, with Ruemmler referring to him as “Uncle Jeffrey” in emails and saying she adored him, despite later calling him a “monster.” The committee’s inquiry is widening. Billionaire investor Leon Black was subpoenaed last month after lawmakers said he declined to answer some questions about his yearslong relationship with Epstein, and committee officials said Black’s attorneys have confirmed a formal deposition for Sept. 3 and will turn over his nondisclosure agreements by the end of next week. Lawmakers have also shown interest in questioning acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, whose nomination to permanently lead the Justice Department is pending before the Senate, after former Attorney General Pam Bondi identified him as the department’s point person on the release of Epstein documents.