Former Goldman Sachs general counsel Kathryn Ruemmler is set to face congressional questioning Wednesday over her ties to Jeffrey Epstein, as lawmakers press deeper into the disgraced financier’s relationships with some of the world’s most powerful figures.
Ruemmler, who served as White House counsel under President Barack Obama before becoming Goldman Sachs’ top lawyer, will appear before the House Oversight Committee as part of its bipartisan investigation into Epstein’s network of influential associates.
The hearing follows the release of Justice Department records showing Ruemmler maintained extensive contact with Epstein years after his 2008 sex-crimes conviction, when he was a registered sex offender.
According to the documents, the two exchanged personal emails, discussed social plans and gifts, and communicated beyond what lawmakers describe as a professional legal relationship.
Ruemmler has since described Epstein as a “monster” and has said she was unaware of any ongoing criminal conduct. But the released records also include emails in which she referred to him as “Uncle Jeffrey” and wrote that she adored him.
She announced earlier this year that she would step down as Goldman Sachs’ chief legal officer amid mounting scrutiny over the relationship. Although she left that role on June 30, she remains employed by the bank in an advisory position.
Ruemmler is the 17th witness to appear before the committee as lawmakers seek to determine how Epstein cultivated relationships with influential political, business and financial leaders.
The investigation has already included testimony from more than a dozen prominent figures, including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and former President Bill Clinton.
Billionaire investor Leon Black, another longtime Epstein associate, is scheduled to give a formal deposition on Sept. 3 after lawmakers subpoenaed him. Committee officials said Black’s attorneys have also agreed to produce his nondisclosure agreements by the end of next week.
Lawmakers have also expressed interest in questioning acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who was identified by former Attorney General Pam Bondi as the Justice Department’s point person on the release of the Epstein files, a rollout that drew criticism from both Republicans and Democrats.