Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Kathryn Ruemmler

Public opinion and media debates around Kathryn Ruemmler—discover key moments of controversy.

Kathryn Ruemmler is an attorney who served as Principal Deputy White House Counsel and later as White House Counsel under President Barack Obama. After her time in the White House, she became a partner at Latham and Watkins, co-chairing the white-collar defense group. In 2020, Ruemmler joined Goldman Sachs as a Partner and Global Head of Regulatory Affairs. She was subsequently promoted to Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel in 2021.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

October 2011: Solyndra Loan Guarantee Statement

In October 2011, Kathryn Ruemmler stated there was no evidence of White House intervention in Solyndra's loan guarantee to benefit a campaign donor. She refused to allow the House Energy and Commerce Committee access to internal White House communications regarding the $535 million loan guarantee.

January 4, 2012: Obama Appoints Cordray

On January 4, 2012, President Obama claimed authority to appoint Richard Cordray as Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau under the Recess Appointments Clause. Ruemmler asserted that the appointments were valid. This action was disputed by Republicans, leading to the expectation of a legal challenge.

May 2013: Release of Benghazi Emails

In May 2013, after weeks of controversy, the Obama administration shifted course and released emails regarding the Benghazi talking points after Kathryn Ruemmler decided that intelligence panels could review the e-mails without taking copies.

July 2014: Began Association with Jeffrey Epstein

From July 2014, after departing her White House counsel position, Kathryn Ruemmler, while employed as a partner at Latham and Watkins, met with Jeffrey Epstein on dozens of occasions.

2014: Email correspondence with Epstein

From 2014 Kathryn Ruemmler was in frequent email correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein.

December 2015: Email exchange with Epstein

In December 2015, an email exchange shows Kathryn Ruemmler calling Jeffrey Epstein "wonderful Jeffrey" and writing "I adore him". The emails also indicate Epstein booked and paid for her first-class trip to Europe.

2015: Scheduled flight to Paris with Epstein

In 2015, Kathryn Ruemmler was scheduled for a flight to Paris with Jeffrey Epstein, though she has denied that this trip happened.

2017: Scheduled stop at Epstein's home

In 2017, Kathryn Ruemmler was scheduled for a stop at Jeffrey Epstein's home in the U.S. Virgin Islands, though she has denied that this trip happened.

2018: Email correspondence with Epstein

Until 2018 Kathryn Ruemmler was in frequent email correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein.

January 2019: Named in Epstein's will

In January 2019 Kathryn Ruemmler was listed as a backup executor in Jeffrey Epstein's will.

May 2019: Ended Association with Jeffrey Epstein

In May 2019, Kathryn Ruemmler's association with Jeffrey Epstein ended.

2023: Regret about knowing Epstein

In 2023, Kathryn Ruemmler stated, "I regret ever knowing Jeffrey Epstein."

September 8, 2025: Listed as Backup Executor in Epstein's Will

On September 8, 2025, a disclosure from Congress revealed that Kathryn Ruemmler was listed as a backup executor in a January 2019 version of Jeffrey Epstein’s will.

November 2025: Email Correspondence Revealed

In November 2025, emails released by the House Oversight Committee revealed frequent email correspondence between Kathryn Ruemmler and Jeffrey Epstein from 2014 to 2018.

February 12, 2026: Resignation from Goldman Sachs

On February 12, 2026, Kathryn Ruemmler resigned from her position as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Goldman Sachs due to links with Jeffrey Epstein.