Following the release of new emails featuring her name, Kathy Ruemmler, the general counsel at Goldman Sachs, expressed concern that some bankers seemed out of touch in a recent companywide message. In her memo on Tuesday, she emphasized how important communication is for both personal and company reputation, urging staff to complete their mandatory training, which includes a module on “Goldman Sachs Communications.”
However, many employees were displeased, feeling that the company hadn’t acknowledged the questionable judgment of its top legal officials regarding their past advice to Epstein. One person voiced frustration, stating, “The fact that they put her name on this after last week’s email… is beyond disgusting.”
Reportedly, several employees have left Ruemmler’s team due to their dissatisfaction with how the ongoing scandal has been handled. A previous September report claimed that Ruemmler had close ties to Epstein and was even named as the executor of his estate.
Additionally, a recent article stated that Ruemmler had numerous meetings with Epstein following her time in the White House, as well as plans to visit his private island in 2017. These emails revealed that Ruemmler had a friendly rapport with Epstein, highlighted by various exchanges and even mentions of plans between them.
For example, in July 2016, Epstein complimented Ruemmler’s dress, saying, “Beautiful black dress. You and Ruth Ginsburg,” to which she responded enthusiastically. Another email exchange showed a lighthearted discussion about former President Bill Clinton’s hypothetical attendance at a meeting.
Tony Flatt, Goldman’s head of global communications, defended Ruemmler by noting that these emails were personal and sent prior to her joining Goldman Sachs. He affirmed her integrity and added that she has consistently described her regret in ever meeting Epstein.
Meanwhile, some Goldman employees became aware of the ramifications for those associated with Epstein as new revelations emerged.
In a related update, former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers announced he would be stepping back from his public duties, following correspondence with Epstein after his 2008 guilty plea. Notably, Apollo Global Management co-founder Leon Black resigned due to his financial ties to Epstein, while former Barclays CEO Jess Staley stepped down amid scrutiny of her relationship with him.
