Overview
- Kathy Ruemmler sat for a closed‑door, transcribed interview with the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, July 15, where she said she never saw evidence of ongoing criminal conduct by Jeffrey Epstein and called him a “masterful liar.”
- Justice Department records released earlier this year show extensive communications between Ruemmler and Epstein from 2014 to 2019 and list gifts including an Hermès bag, Bergdorf Goodman gift cards and an Apple Watch.
- Lawmakers from both parties publicly expressed skepticism about Ruemmler’s account, with committee members saying she downplayed the relationship and noting that her interview was not conducted under oath.
- Ruemmler stepped down as Goldman Sachs chief legal officer in February and left the role at the end of June while remaining at the firm as an adviser, a decision that has drawn criticism as the committee probes institutional judgment and governance.
- The bipartisan House inquiry continues to press for records and witnesses, with a formal deposition for Leon Black set for Sept. 3 and committee requests focused on nondisclosure agreements, DOJ handling of the Epstein files and how Epstein built influence with powerful people.