Top Goldman Sachs lawyer resigns over ties to Epstein...

Her resignation comes as prominent figures in the U.S. and abroad face intense scrutiny for their connections to Epstein in documents released by the Department of Justice under pressure from Congress. Ruemmler’s communications with Epstein, which included a discussion of President Donald Trump, came to light in an earlier batch of the Epstein files. But the latest release spotlighted years of exchanges as recently as 2019 — when he was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges. Ruemmler, who has been the bank’s top attorney since 2021, served as White House counsel to former President Barack Obama during his second term. Her resignation from Goldman Sachs will be effective June 30. Ruemmler is the second high-profile lawyer to resign over her ties to Epstein in recent days. Brad Karp last week stepped down as chair of Paul, Weiss, though he will remain a partner at the influential law firm despite remaining in contact with Epstein following his first 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution with a minor. Ruemmler has insisted for years that her relationship with Epstein was professional, but the latest files suggest it was friendly and extensive. The emails show Ruemmler advising Epstein on managing his public image and drafting statements about his 2018 plea deal. In one email, Ruemmler refers to Epstein as “Uncle Jeffrey,” and in another, he thanks her for her friendship. Epstein called Ruemmler the night he was arrested in 2019, according to notes taken by law enforcement officers that were included in the latest batch of government files. He also listed her as a backup executor of a version of his will included in the documents. Ruemmler did not immediately respond to a request for comment.