Former Obama Official Resigns After Emails to Jeffrey Epstein Uncovered

A high-profile figure with deep ties to Democratic administrations and Wall Street has stepped down amid renewed scrutiny surrounding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his powerful network of associates.

Kathryn Ruemmler — who served as White House counsel under President Barack Obama and most recently as chief legal officer at Goldman Sachs — resigned following reports detailing extensive email exchanges with Epstein, including correspondence that continued years after his 2008 sex crimes conviction.

Thousands of Emails — Years After Conviction

According to reporting by the New York Post, Ruemmler exchanged thousands of messages with Epstein, some of which reportedly contained friendly and, at times, flirtatious language.

In a 2015 birthday message, she wrote, “I hope you enjoy the day with your one true love :-).” She signed other emails with “xoxo.”

In one exchange, Epstein responded with a vulgar remark: “they say that men usually gvie [sic] a name to their penis, as [it] would be inappropriate to make love to a total stranger.”

Ruemmler replied that it’s “[h]ard to believe that there is still an open question about whether men are [the] inferior gender.”

The tone of the communications has drawn widespread criticism, particularly given Epstein’s criminal record and mounting allegations against him at the time.

Alleged Strategic Advice Amid Renewed Scrutiny

Reports indicate Ruemmler may have offered strategic advice to Epstein as he faced renewed public scrutiny.

As ABC News prepared a 2015 report involving accuser Virginia Giuffre, Ruemmler allegedly described the allegations as “fantastical” and “not [credible]” in emails to Epstein.

In another exchange involving Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein reportedly wrote to Ruemmler that “she will do as you suggest” even if it conflicted with Maxwell’s personal attorney’s advice.

The emails also suggested coordination regarding visits to Epstein’s private island and other travel logistics.

Additionally, Ruemmler reportedly sought Epstein’s counsel on career matters, including when she was under consideration for U.S. attorney general — a revelation likely to intensify scrutiny over elite influence networks in Washington.

Her representatives have denied wrongdoing.

“Ms. Ruemmler has done nothing wrong and has nothing to hide,” a Ruemmler representative told the New York Post. “Nothing in the record suggests otherwise.”

Goldman Sachs confirmed her departure but has not provided a detailed public explanation.

Epstein Fallout Reaches Overseas

The repercussions from Epstein’s resurfacing files are not confined to the United States.

In France, former Culture Minister Jack Lang resigned as head of the Arab World Institute in Paris following allegations of past financial ties to Epstein.

Lang, 86, is a longtime political figure best known for serving during the presidency of François Mitterrand. He was reportedly scheduled to appear before France’s Foreign Ministry — which oversees the Arab World Institute — but opted to step down instead.

His attorney, Laurent Merlet, told RTL radio that Lang was “very sad and deeply hurt to be leaving a position he loves.”

“He put the interests of the Arab World Institute first,” Merlet said, adding that the allegations are “inaccurate.”

France’s financial prosecutor has reportedly opened an investigation into Lang and his daughter concerning allegations of “aggravated tax fraud and money laundering,” according to ABC News.

Renewed Questions About Elite Accountability

The renewed focus on Epstein’s communications network continues to ripple through political and financial institutions. As additional records emerge, prominent figures are facing reputational and professional consequences — even years after Epstein’s death.

Ruemmler’s resignation marks one of the most significant corporate departures tied to the latest wave of disclosures. It also raises broader questions about how long powerful institutions were willing to maintain associations with a convicted sex offender — and who else may face consequences as more communications come to light.

For many Americans, the ongoing Epstein fallout reinforces longstanding concerns about elite accountability and the interconnected nature of political and financial power.