Newly released records show that Jeffrey Epstein helped bankroll a lavish lifestyle for Kathryn Ruemmler, the former Obama White House counsel who now serves as general counsel for Goldman Sachs. Epstein, who sometimes sought her out for legal advice, reportedly showered Ruemmler with expensive gifts and paid for luxury experiences between 2014 and 2019. Nothing says “informal legal consultation” like a five-figure shopping spree.
Among the items Epstein purchased were a $9,350 Hermès bag, a $6,790 Fendi coat and bag, and electronics such as an Apple TV and Apple Watch. He also routinely covered spa treatments, facials, hair appointments, and other personal services. Emails show Epstein even set alerts to remind himself to send her flowers and order sushi. Apparently, generosity was part of his legal strategy.
A recently unsealed court filing from a civil lawsuit brought by Epstein’s victims suggests Ruemmler advised him on legal matters, including maintaining his 2008 non-prosecution agreement and handling public statements to the media. Ruemmler has said she did not formally represent him and was not compensated, explaining that she was “one of a number of lawyers Epstein informally reached out to for advice.” Informal, of course—just with luxury perks attached.
Previously released emails also show Ruemmler consulted Epstein when deciding whether to accept an offer to become Obama’s attorney general and even sought his input on personal matters, such as whether to fly first class or business on a trip to Dubai. When your legal sounding board doubles as your travel agent, you know Washington works differently.
Epstein’s spending was well-documented. In August 2016, he directed someone to arrange a half-day spa visit for Ruemmler at the Four Seasons in Washington, D.C., writing, “She won her case and needs some pampering.” Ruemmler replied with a cheerful “Thank you again!! And thanks to Uncle Jeffrey!” Booking confirmations also show he paid for spa visits in New York and covered a $658 hair appointment in March 2016. In another email, Epstein ordered that she receive a full year of facials, stating “kathy should not spend money there.”
On Christmas Day in 2015, Epstein instructed someone to arrange a first-class trip to Geneva for Ruemmler. “I adore him,” she wrote to the person organizing the trip. “It’s like having another older brother!” She added that she never felt she could adequately return the kindness. She later missed the flight, and a separate email showed a ticket to the U.S. Virgin Islands was voided because “she can’t play hooky from work after all.”
Goldman Sachs said it is well known that Epstein’s method was to provide unsolicited favors and gifts to many business contacts. Ruemmler and Goldman Sachs did not immediately respond to requests for comment on these specific revelations.
Once again, the Epstein story exposes the cozy relationships that surrounded powerful figures during the Obama era—relationships built on luxury, access, and quiet advice behind closed doors. While the media once rushed to protect those connections, the records are now doing the talking.
And as more facts come out, Americans can see why transparency and accountability matter—because sunlight, unlike spa days and designer bags, actually makes things better.
