Kathryn Ruemmler, former White House lawyer under President Obama, is facing scrutiny as new details emerge about her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Despite her claims that she was never “compensated” by Epstein, emails released by the Department of Justice reveal a pattern of lavish gifts from Epstein to Ruemmler.
The gifts, which included a $9,400 Hermes handbag, an Hermes Apple Watch, and a spa package, were given years after Epstein’s initial sex crime allegations became public. This has led to questions about Ruemmler’s judgment and her attempts to distance herself from Epstein.
Ruemmler, who now serves as the top legal officer for Goldman Sachs, has been criticized as more information about her connection to Epstein comes to light. Last month, when CNN reported that Ruemmler had advised Epstein on media strategies, she stated that she “did not represent him and was not compensated by him.”
However, the newly released emails paint a different picture. From 2014 to 2019, Ruemmler frequently communicated with Epstein’s associates, accepting gifts and expressing her gratitude to Epstein, sometimes even requesting specific items.
One of the most expensive gifts was the Hermes handbag, purchased in August 2016. Epstein was actively involved in ensuring Ruemmler received the bag, instructing his staff to confirm its delivery with her. Upon receiving the handbag, Ruemmler reportedly wrote, “OH MY GOD!!!!! He is in so much trouble!!!! I am dying. It is so beautiful.”
In November 2018, Epstein also gifted Ruemmler an Hermes Apple Watch, priced at $1,300. Emails show Ruemmler specifying the exact model and band she desired, calling the gift “so sweet of Jeffrey!”
Furthermore, Epstein seemed to be aware of Ruemmler’s schedule and professional accomplishments. In August 2016, he arranged a “full half day” spa appointment for her at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown, noting that “she won her case and needs some pampering.” Such a spa treatment at the luxury hotel could cost over $1,000.
Other gifts of unknown value were also exchanged. In December 2014, Epstein’s housekeeper was instructed to deliver a “ring” to Ruemmler. In February 2019, an email reminder was sent to deliver a “bottle of wine and note card” to Ruemmler, with instructions to notify Epstein once the delivery was completed.
These exchanges occurred before Epstein’s arrest in July 2019 on sex trafficking charges. All the gifts were given after Epstein faced accusations of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl and after his 2008 guilty plea to solicitation of prostitution with a minor.
Ruemmler’s connection to Epstein has created complications for Goldman Sachs, where she earns a substantial annual salary. While the firm has defended Ruemmler, stating that her relationship with Epstein was business-related and predated her employment with them, the ongoing revelations continue to raise concerns.
Emails and text messages reveal that Epstein used Ruemmler as a sounding board for legal advice and managing press coverage of his sex crimes.
In one email exchange from September 2014, Epstein seemed to advise Ruemmler on potentially becoming Attorney General, replacing Eric Holder.
Epstein’s reply to Ruemmler’s comment about “[G]irls” dealing with career maneuvers was, “[C]areful i will renew an old habit.”
Ruemmler seemed to show sympathy for Epstein in other emails.
“Good lord. A novella of rehashed crap,” Ruemmler wrote Epstein in a June 22, 2018, email, responding to an article about Epstein’s ties to prominent figures.
Additionally, Ruemmler appears to have drafted statements for Epstein to provide to the media. In March 2019, Epstein shared a “Ruemmler proposal” with an associate regarding a statement to the Washington Post, disputing claims that he received a “sweetheart deal” in his 2008 sex crime case and asserting that he was “subjected to a lengthy, aggressive, and highly unusual federal investigation.”
