# Kathryn Ruemmler
## Summary
Kathryn H. Ruemmler is an attorney who served as White House Counsel to President Barack Obama from 2011 to 2014, becoming his longest-serving counsel. After leaving the White House, she joined Latham & Watkins as Global Chair of the White Collar Defense and Investigations practice, and in 2020 moved to Goldman Sachs, where she currently serves as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel. The Epstein archive documents [13,794 emails](/person/kathy-ruemmler-egroupware) exchanged between Ruemmler and Epstein's network from 2010 to 2023, though the substantive correspondence primarily spans 2014 to 2019. The emails reveal frequent meetings at Epstein's Manhattan townhouse, legal and strategic advice on media matters, career consultations, social dinners with figures including Woody Allen, and Ruemmler's designation as a trustee in a 2018 version of Epstein's trust.
Ruemmler maintained she never represented Epstein as a client, though emails and estate privilege logs document legal advice on topics including preservation of his 2008 plea deal, drafting public statements responding to the Miami Herald's "Perversion of Justice" investigation, and victim settlement discussions. The archive reveals she authored substantive defenses of Epstein's 2008 plea deal for potential media use, characterized his crimes as "local offenses of sexual solicitation," coordinated crisis communications strategy, and discussed the implications of court rulings that could lead to new federal prosecution. In October 2015, she wrote to Epstein: ["I just need to figure out how best to document the fee"](/drive/vol00011-efta02485446-pdf),fee"](/drive/vol00011-efta02485446-pdf). indicatingThis statement indicates a financial arrangement existed between them. She has publicly stated she regrets knowing Epstein.
## Background
Kathryn Ruemmler was born April 19, 1971, and graduated from the University of Washington and Georgetown University Law Center. She began her legal career as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, then served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York. She gained prominence as Deputy Director of the Enron Task Force, prosecuting senior executives of the energy company.
In 2009, Ruemmler joined the Obama administration as Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General at the Department of Justice. She became Principal Deputy White House Counsel in January 2010, then White House Counsel in June 2011, serving until April 2014. After leaving government, she rejoined Latham & Watkins as a partner and co-chair of the firm's white-collar defense practice. In 2020, she joined Goldman Sachs as Global Head of Regulatory Affairs, and was promoted to Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel in 2021.
Following the November 2025 release of emails by the House Oversight Committee showing extensive contact with Epstein, Ruemmler faced public scrutiny. Goldman Sachs issued a statement supporting her, noting that "Epstein often offered unsolicited favors and gifts to his many business contacts" and emphasizing that Ruemmler "had a professional association with Jeffrey Epstein." In subsequent reporting, Ruemmler stated through a spokesperson: "I regret ever knowing Jeffrey Epstein."
## Correspondence with Epstein
The archive documents intensive correspondence between Ruemmler and Epstein from 2014 through May 2019, totaling [13,794 emails](/person/kathy-ruemmler-egroupware) across 7,167 threads. Ruemmler sent [8,154 messages](/person/kathy-ruemmler-egroupware) and received [5,590](/person/kathy-ruemmler-egroupware) as a direct recipient. The correspondence intensified during three distinct periods: October 2014 (career advice regarding a potential job offer), 2015-2017 (regular meetings and social interactions), and 2018-2019 (legal and strategic consultations).
### Initial Contact and White House Period
The earliest documented contact in the archive is [an email dated June 23, 2014](/drive/vol00011-efta02585011-pdf), approximately two months after Ruemmler left the White House in April 2014. In this email, Epstein writes to [Bill Gates](/person/bill-gates) and Larry Cohen: ["I've asked kathy Ruemmler to play point on getting people and structure together, she is smart, melinda i think will like her, and she is well respected by the various relevant regulatory bodies — Irs, sec. justice etc"](/drive/vol00011-efta02585011-pdf). The tone and content suggest an existing relationship rather than a new introduction, with Epstein already comfortable assigning Ruemmler a coordinating role in a project involving Gates. By September 2, 2014, Ruemmler appeared on [Lesley Groff's "People to See" list](/drive/vol00011-efta02723383-pdf) alongside Bill Gates, Larry Summers, Leon Black, Peter Thiel, and other prominent figures in Epstein's network.
While the archive does not contain evidence of contact during Ruemmler's White House tenure (2011-2014), the immediate comfort level and assignment of significant responsibilities in mid-2014 indicates the relationship likely predated her departure from government service.
### Epstein's Facilitation of Ruemmler-Gates Relationship
A major dimension of the Ruemmler-Epstein relationship was Epstein's systematic effort to connect Ruemmler with [Bill Gates](/person/bill-gates) and facilitate their professional relationship. The archive documents multiple instances:
- **June 23, 2014**: Epstein emails Gates and Larry Cohen introducing Ruemmler to ["play point on getting people and structure together"](/drive/vol00011-efta02585011-pdf) for a project involving regulatory bodies (IRS, SEC, Justice Department),Department). emphasizingHe emphasized that ["melinda i think will like her"](/drive/vol00011-efta02585011-pdf).
- **September 4, 2014**: Epstein asks Ruemmler: ["are you free sometime on monday between 1130-3 — bill gates"](/drive/vol00011-efta02587160-pdf).
- **September 8, 2014**: A scheduled meeting appears on Epstein's calendar: ["3:00-3:30 PM: Kathy Ruemmler, Bill Gates at Four Seasons (57 East 57th Street)"](/drive/vol00011-efta02588653-pdf), documenting a joint meeting between all three.
- **December 10, 2014**: Epstein emails Gates: ["Kathy ruemmler will be in Seattle next two days if you have any interest"](/drive/vol00011-efta02597847-pdf).
- **February 16, 2015**: Epstein again emails Gates and Larry Cohen: ["kathy ruemmler is in seatle wed for the day with little on her schedule. you might want to meet with her again or suggest melinda do it. she is a powerful woman with a remarkable future"](/drive/vol00011-efta02509894-pdf).
- **February 18, 2017**: Epstein emails Gates: ["or kathy ruemmler can sit with you and melinda 27-29 — she will be in seattle"](/drive/vol00011-efta02659632-pdf).
- **July 30, 2014**: [Eva Dubin](/person/eva-dubin-dubinandco) sends Epstein an invitation for a "Fact vs Fiction" event, writing: ["Please give it to anyone you would like, including Kathryn Ruemmler and Melinda Gates"](/drive/vol00011-efta02388671-pdf), showing social integration of Ruemmler with the Gates family.
- **June 27, 2018**: Ruemmler tells Epstein about a meeting: ["Interesting meeting. He is very thoughtful... Impetus for this search was a conversation that he had with Bill Gates and Brad Smith model"](/drive/vol00011-efta02520584-pdf). In the same exchange, she notes being cautious about discussing sensitive matters, writing that she ["didn't say much in car on the way over"](/drive/vol00011-efta02520584-pdf) because of the driver's presence.
The pattern shows Epstein actively brokering the Ruemmler-Gates relationship over a five-year period, repeatedly notifying Gates when Ruemmler would be in Seattle, arranging joint meetings, and positioning Ruemmler as someone Gates and Melinda Gates should engage with professionally.
### Networking Access and Political Connections
Beyond Gates, Epstein offered Ruemmler access to his broader network of world leaders, politicians, and business figures. On [September 19, 2014](/drive/vol00011-efta02518446-pdf), Epstein sent Ruemmler a list of his contacts that week: ["thiel, summers, bill burns, gordon brown, jagland (council of europe and nobel chairman), mongolia pres, hardeep puree (india), boris (gates), jabor (qatar), sultan (dubai), kosslyn (harvard), leon black, woody"](/drive/vol00011-efta02518446-pdf). He told her: ["you are a welcome guest at any"](/drive/vol00011-efta02518446-pdf). The list included [Bill Burns](/person/william-burns), then Deputy Secretary of State and later CIA Director under President Biden, demonstrating Epstein's connections to senior U.S. government officials.
### Career Advice and Personal Relationship (2014-2015)
In October 2014, shortly after leaving the White House and joining Latham & Watkins, Ruemmler sought Epstein's advice regarding a job offer. In a lengthy exchange, she described the decision as a choice between declining quickly with press reporting that ["I was his first choice but I declined for personal/timing reasons"](/thread/EFTA02591673) or accepting ["knowing that there will be significant personal/financial/reputational costs because I like a good fight, I am loyal, and I am the best person for the job"](/thread/EFTA02591673). Epstein [advised her to "have a face to face first"](/thread/EFTA02591673) before deciding.
During this period, Ruemmler also consulted Epstein on personal matters. In September 2015, she shared details of a relationship crisis, writing at length about trust and deception. Epstein responded with advice, to which Ruemmler replied with [a detailed analogy about Ken Lay's deception of Enron employees](/drive/vol00011-efta02488307-pdf), drawing from her prosecutorial experience: ["What he told the employees were flat lies, but almost all of them trusted him"](/drive/vol00011-efta02488307-pdf). The exchange demonstrated a comfort level in discussing both professional and personal matters.
The correspondence included light banter and social references. In October 2015, Ruemmler wrote: ["Wearing my Jeffrey boots today. Fall is here"](/drive/vol00011-efta02485452-pdf),here"](/drive/vol00011-efta02485452-pdf). suggestingThis suggests Epstein had given her boots as a gift. Epstein sent her news articles and opinion pieces on topics ranging from politics to gender pay disparities. Ruemmler [shared her views](/drive/vol00011-efta02628794-pdf) on legal and political developments, including that ["Quinn offered a $2 mm signing bonus today. I said not leaving Latham"](/drive/vol00011-efta02628794-pdf) in February 2019, demonstrating she shared confidential career and compensation information with him.
### Financial Arrangements
In [the same October 2015 thread](/drive/vol00011-efta02485446-pdf) where Ruemmler mentioned wearing "Jeffrey boots," she wrote to Epstein: ["I just need to figure out how best to document the fee"](/drive/vol00011-efta02485446-pdf). This statement indicates a financial arrangement existed between them, contradicting later public characterizations that she never represented Epstein as a client. The nature and amount of the fee are not specified in the available correspondence.
Additionally, inIn [December 2018](/drive/vol00011-efta02612560-pdf), Epstein provided Ruemmler with financial advice about structuring her own compensation: ["for tuesday, we want a contingent signing bonus, contingent on the stock being higher by x percent in three years. makes the current payment non taxable"](/drive/vol00011-efta02612560-pdf). This shows Epstein advising Ruemmler on sophisticated tax strategy for her own career negotiations, further demonstrating the depth of their financial discussions.
### Legal and Strategic Advice (2014-2019)
Beginning in October 2014, Ruemmler provided Epstein with legal advice on media matters. Email threads show her [reviewing and editing](/drive/vol00011-efta02515402-pdf) draft responses to press inquiries, with Epstein asking ["did you look at my edits?"](/drive/vol00011-efta02515402-pdf) and Ruemmler responding that she was ["Making some more tweaks"](/drive/vol00011-efta02515402-pdf). The exchanges included detailed discussion of factual claims and legal strategy.
In September 2015, Ruemmler informed Epstein: ["DOJ meeting will be Sept. 23"](/drive/vol00011-efta02488515-pdf), apparently referencing official proceedings. Epstein replied it was ["ironic that the doj meeting is on YOM kippur, the day of atonement"](/drive/vol00011-efta02488515-pdf), showing Ruemmler's involvement in Department of Justice matters related to Epstein years before his 2019 arrest.
### Epstein's Briefing on Victim Allegations
On [August 22, 2016](/drive/vol00011-efta02454725-pdf), Epstein sent Ruemmler detailed information about Virginia Giuffre's allegations, writing "bullet points for IL" that stated: ["she was never 14, 15, or 16... she was 17 and told ghilsaine and mara lago that she was 18... she lied on employment, she said she had sex with Marving minsky, bill richardson. she said she had dinner with clinton describing where she sat. she said Al gore and wife... eva dubins husband, while eva was asleep in the next room... here one crazy girl has wreaked havoc with peoples lives with no accountability"](/drive/vol00011-efta02454725-pdf). This email shows Epstein directly briefing Ruemmler on specific victim allegations, including explicit mention of [Ghislaine Maxwell](/person/ghislaine-maxwell) ("ghilsaine"), and attempting to discredit Giuffre's testimony by characterizing her as a liar. The email demonstrates Ruemmler had detailed knowledge of victim allegations and Epstein's strategy to undermine their credibility.
While victim depositions and court filings naming Ruemmler specifically (including Sarah Ransome's characterization of her as a "fixer" and Giuffre's references to Epstein's "inner circle") come from external court documents not in this archive, this August 2016 email establishes that Ruemmler received direct briefings from Epstein about victim claims and his discrediting strategies.
### The December 2018 Miami Herald Response
Following the Miami Herald's publication of the "Perversion of Justice" investigative series in late November and early December 2018, Ruemmler played a central role in Epstein's crisis response. On [December 4, 2018](/drive/vol00011-efta02613144-pdf), Epstein emailed public relations executive [Matthew Hiltzik](/person/matthew-hiltzik): ["kathy ruemmler and michael and me, would appreciate your help on my new issues. they think that a coordinated strategy, if at one at all is the only answer. and you the best to advise?"](/drive/vol00011-efta02613144-pdf) Hiltzik responded: ["Saw the story - and they went after sarah again today. Let's do a call and then decide what can and should be done going forward"](/drive/vol00011-efta02613144-pdf). In a [follow-up email](/drive/vol00011-efta02611664-pdf), Hiltzik wrote: ["Totally understand your points. Let's coordinate further conversations thru your attorney so that anything continues to be privileged as it was before"](/drive/vol00011-efta02611664-pdf), explicitly invoking attorney-client privilege for the communications.
On [December 9, 2018](/drive/vol00011-efta02612560-pdf), Epstein sent Ruemmler a lengthy document titled "thoughts" — a comprehensive legal defense of the 2008 plea deal directly responding to the Miami Herald investigation. The document characterized Epstein's offenses as "local offenses of sexual solicitation" and argued the Herald "got it very wrong." It included detailed discussion of federal criminal statutes (18 USC 2423, 2422(b), 1591) and argued these statutes did not apply to Epstein's conduct. The document was clearly sent for Ruemmler's review and comment,comment representingand represented a legal strategy for defending against potential federal prosecution.
### The March 2019 Washington Post Response
The most significant evidence of Ruemmler's role in crafting Epstein's public defense comes from [March 7, 2019](/drive/vol00011-efta02631485-pdf), when Epstein forwarded her a question from the Washington Post: ["How do you respond to the overall criticism that Mr. Epstein has received special treatment and a light punishment because of his wealth and political connections?"](/drive/vol00011-efta02631485-pdf) Ruemmler drafted a substantive response:
> ["Something like: 'The criticism is wrong and reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of both the facts underlying Mr. Epstein's case and how it was prosecuted by both local and federal authorities. Far from a receiving a sweetheart deal, Mr. Epstein was subjected to a lengthy, aggressive, and highly unusual federal investigation for what were, in essence, local offenses of sexual solicitation. He accepted responsibility, served time and prison, and paid significant monetary settlements to the victims involved. [But for his wealth, it is hard to imagine that Mr. Epstein's would have received the aggressive treatment that he did from federal prosecutors, and he certainly would never have been subjected to the salacious and malicious treatment by the media that he continues to receive more than 10 years after the case was resolved.]'"](/drive/vol00011-efta02631485-pdf)
She added: ["Not sure about the bracketed language. It is true of course, but as you say, akin to a luxury tax. Would be interested in what others think"](/drive/vol00011-efta02631485-pdf). The draft argued Epstein actually received overly aggressive treatment from federal prosecutors and characterized his crimes as "local offenses of sexual solicitation" — a significant minimization of conduct involving underage victims.
On [the same day](/drive/vol00011-efta02631430-pdf), Epstein asked Ruemmler: ["did you send sheryl the message"](/drive/vol00011-efta02631430-pdf),message"](/drive/vol00011-efta02631430-pdf). suggestingThis suggests the draft was to be shared with someone named "Sheryl" (possibly Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook or another media contact). Epstein also [forwarded Ruemmler's draft to Darren Indyke](/drive/vol00011-efta02631342-pdf), his attorney and estate executor, showing it was circulated within the legal team. Additionally, Epstein also [sent Ruemmler](/drive/vol00011-efta02631452-pdf) an Ann Coulter article titled "Media Magic: How a Democrat Pedophile Became a 'Trump Scandal'" as part of their media strategy discussions.
This March 2019 exchange demonstrates Ruemmler was not merely reviewing press responses but actively authoring substantive public statements defending Epstein's plea deal and coordinating their distribution through Epstein's network.
### The March 2019 Marra Ruling and Prosecution Risk
After Judge Kenneth Marra ruled in February 2019 that federal prosecutors violated the Crime Victims' Rights Act in Epstein's 2008 plea deal, Ruemmler [discussed the legal implications](/drive/vol00011-efta02632195-pdf) with Epstein in March 2019, noting that ["Once Marra decided that SD Fla violated law, it was inevitable. Marie et al might definitely become fact witnesses if he allows a hearing etc"](/drive/vol00011-efta02632195-pdf). Epstein wrote that someone had advised him to ["only focus on the legal pieces, do not try to change the perception of you too soon, chip away, legal errors, clarifications etc"](/drive/vol00011-efta02632195-pdf). The exchange shows Ruemmler and Epstein discussing the risk that the ruling could lead to new criminal proceedings, with awareness that prosecutors involved in the original case might become fact witnesses. In the same thread, they also discussed ["john pinette, former gates paul allen"](/drive/vol00011-efta02632195-pdf) and Nick Clegg, then-Vice President of Facebook.
### August 2017 PR Strategy and "Third Party Validators"
In August 2017, public relations executive Matthew Hiltzik sent Epstein [a detailed media strategy outline](/thread/EFTA02339778) that listed ["Former White House Counsel, Kathy Ruemmler"](/thread/EFTA02339778) as a potential "third party validator" alongside figures like Bill Gates, Larry Summers, Eva Dubin, James Watson, Noam Chomsky, and Bill Richardson. The outline proposed presenting Epstein's story with sections on "Accepting Responsibility" (for "hiring prostitutes, masseuses, all of age") and "Philanthropic Efforts." An [earlier version of the same outline](/drive/vol00011-efta02368221-pdf) from August 2, 2017, CC'd to Ben Sosenko, included the identical validator list with Ruemmler's name.
Significantly, [in Epstein's own handwritten answers](/drive/vol00009-efta01043167-pdf) to Hiltzik's questions (accidentally sent to assistant Dawn Henry), Epstein independently listed ["KAthy ruemmler"](/drive/vol00009-efta01043167-pdf) among the people he personally considered validators, alongside ["HEnry roslvsky, larry summers, bill gates, leon black, linda stone, gov richardson, lawrence krauss, noam chomsky"](/drive/vol00009-efta01043167-pdf). This shows that even in his private notes, Epstein viewed Ruemmler as a trusted figure who could vouch for his character.
The archive does not contain evidence that Ruemmler was consulted about being listed as a validator or that she approved this designation. The PR strategy documents were sent only to Epstein and his inner circle.
### Trust Designation and Estate Planning
Ruemmler was named as a trustee in [the Jeffrey E. Epstein 2018 Trust](/drive/vol00010-efta01266457-pdf), dated May 8, 2018, alongside Darren Indyke and Richard Kahn. The trust document, which detailed bequests totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, designated Ruemmler with full fiduciary authority over Epstein's estate.
This trust was superseded by new estate documents in January 2019. [The January 18, 2019 Trust](/drive/vol00010-efta01266134-pdf) names only Darren K. Indyke and Richard D. Kahn as trustees — Ruemmler was removed from the trustee role. However, [the Will of the same date (January 2019)](/drive/vol00010-efta01266288-pdf) states: ["I appoint DARREN K. INDYKE and RICHARD D. KAHN to serve as the Executors of this Will. If any one or more of my Executors fails to qualify, is unable or unwilling to serve or ceases to act, I appoint KATHRYN H. RUEMMLER, as successor Executor"](/drive/vol00010-efta01266288-pdf). [Duplicate copies](/drive/vol00009-efta00092568-pdf) of the Will confirm this designation. An [amended version of the trust](/drive/vol00010-efta01266168-pdf) dated February 4, 2019, maintained the same structure with no Ruemmler trustee role.
The progression shows Ruemmler was removed as active trustee between May 2018 and January 2019 but retained as backup executor in the Will. The archive does not reveal why she was removed from the trustee position. The final version of Epstein's estate documents, executed shortly before his death in August 2019, further revised these arrangements and named Boris Nikolic as backup executor, but those documents are not present in this archive.
[Ghislaine Maxwell](/person/ghislaine-maxwell) appears as a beneficiary of [the Butterfly Trust](/drive/vol00010-efta01681865-pdf) in Deutsche Bank presentation materials, showing she was also integrated into Epstein's estate planning alongside other members of his network.
### Travel and Paris Assistance
In July 2015, pilot Larry Visoski inquired whether ["Kathy Ruemmler is travelling"](/thread/vol00009-efta00346046-pdf) on a charter flight from Paris to Geneva, asking for "her details" for passenger manifests. The context suggests possible coordination of European travel, though the thread does not confirm whether Ruemmler ultimately traveled.
In May 2019, Epstein's assistant sent an email instructing his Paris driver Valdson Cotrin to ["Take Care of Kathy while in Paris now until Saturday May 18"](/thread/EFTA02285759), writing: ["Jeffrey requests you connect with her and drive her as needed...feed her...care for her during her stay!"](/thread/EFTA02285759) The arrangement demonstrated Epstein's Paris staff being directed to provide services to Ruemmler during her travels.
In [July 2015](/drive/vol00011-efta02298957-pdf), [Eva Dubin](/person/eva-dubin-dubinandco) sent an email CC'ing Karyna Shuliak and Kathy Ruemmler, responding to a YouTube video link Epstein had sent about a property. Eva wrote: ["I am not crazy about it!!! Too big, and isolated... I think a view and a little cozier would be better. Someone could be hiding behind any cactus there!!!!"](/drive/vol00011-efta02298957-pdf) The reference to cacti strongly suggests discussion of a property in an arid location, possibly Epstein's Zorro Ranch in New Mexico. While this does not constitute proof that Ruemmler visited the property, her inclusion in the discussion indicates engagement with Epstein's real estate deliberations.
### Personal and Medical Coordination Through Eva Dubin
The archive reveals an unusually intimate level of coordination between Ruemmler and [Eva Dubin](/person/eva-dubin-dubinandco), mediated by Epstein, particularly regarding personal health matters. On [March 1, 2015](/drive/vol00011-efta02511380-pdf), Epstein emailed both Eva Dubin and Kathy Ruemmler: ["eva kathy appt monday mar 9. . breast center"](/drive/vol00011-efta02511380-pdf), showing he was scheduling medical appointments for both women at a breast center. On [March 16, 2015](/drive/vol00011-efta02507153-pdf), Epstein asked Eva Dubin: ["can elysa port do kahy ruemmler on the afternoon of the 24th"](/drive/vol00011-efta02507153-pdf) — arranging what appears to be a beauty or fashion appointment for Ruemmler through Dubin's contacts.
In [July 2017](/drive/vol00011-efta02644562-pdf), Epstein again coordinated medical care, emailing both Ruemmler and Eva Dubin: ["kathy mamogram time"](/drive/vol00011-efta02644562-pdf). Eva Dubin [responded](/drive/vol00011-efta02374752-pdf): ["When do you want to come in Kathy??"](/drive/vol00011-efta02374752-pdf) Ruemmler replied: ["'Want' is not exactly the term I would use, but maybe the end of the month — July 27 or 28?"](/drive/vol00011-efta02374752-pdf) On [July 18, 2017](/drive/vol00011-efta02644273-pdf), Epstein continued coordinating between Ruemmler and Dubin for mammogram scheduling, with Dubin writing: ["Anytime she wants. She just needs to let me know day and then email me"](/drive/vol00011-efta02644273-pdf).
These exchanges demonstrate Epstein's role as broker extended into highly personal aspects of Ruemmler's life, including preventive medical care, and that Eva Dubin served as a facilitator for these arrangements.
### Social Interactions
The correspondence documents numerous social dinners coordinated through Epstein. In September 2014, a calendar reminder scheduled ["7:00pm DINNER w/Woody Allen, Soon Yi, Kathy Ruemmler, and MAYBE Peter Thiel"](/thread/EFTA02097849) at Epstein's townhouse. In May 2019, Ruemmler clarified dinner plans to [Lesley Groff](/person/lesley-groff-nameonly), explaining that ["Marvin and I are coming to dinner with Woody and Steve, and then after dinner Marvin and I will meet with Jeffrey to discuss legal stuff"](/thread/EFTA02284971)—referring to attorney Marvin Putnam. She added context about the scheduling: ["The plan is that Marvin and I are coming to dinner with Woody and Steve, and then after dinner Marvin and I will meet with Jeffrey to discuss legal stuff"](/drive/vol00011-efta02284971-pdf), noting they had originally been scheduled for 9:30am but changed to dinner followed by a private meeting. When Groff asked for clarification about "Marvin," Ruemmler provided his full name: ["it is Marvin Putnam"](/drive/vol00011-efta02284971-pdf). The exchange included joking about Epstein's communication style, with Ruemmler writing: ["Jeffrey wasn't clear? I am shocked! :-)"](/drive/vol00011-efta02284971-pdf) and ["Of course! He is so cryptic!"](/drive/vol00011-efta02284971-pdf), showing her comfort level with Epstein's staff.
The coordination of Marvin Putnam's visit demonstrates Ruemmler was assembling or coordinating legal advisors for Epstein in May 2019, just two months before his arrest, with "legal stuff" as the explicit purpose of their meeting.
An October 2015 schedule described a dinner with ["woody and soon yi, terje larson (oslo accord), kathy ruemmler. white house counsel for 5 years"](/thread/EFTA02485274), positioning Ruemmler alongside international figures. In August 2018, a schedule listed ["7:30pm DINNER w/Woody, Soon Yi, Kathy Ruemmler and Barry Sternlicht"](/thread/EFTA02253732), continuing the pattern of regular social events.
In October 2016, Ruemmler wrote to Epstein's assistant about an apartment she was considering: ["Jeffrey volunteered to give me his opinion on an apartment that I am looking at in Gramercy Park"](/thread/EFTA02040706), asking to arrange a time for him to view the property at 78 Irving Place.
### Final Meetings and the "Pussy Position" Exchange (May 2019)
The final documented exchanges occurred in May 2019, two months before Epstein's arrest. On May 20, Epstein's assistant asked Ruemmler: ["Jeffrey will be in NY and I know you and he are 'speaking'...will you come see him tomorrow?"](/thread/vol00009-efta00495517) Ruemmler [agreed to "late afternoon/early evening"](/thread/vol00009-efta00495517), and they scheduled 5:30pm on May 21. Hours before the meeting, Ruemmler [canceled](/thread/vol00009-efta00495517), writing: ["Am so sorry, but my day at work has blown up, and I am not going to be able to leave the office this afternoon"](/thread/vol00009-efta00495517).
On the morning of May 20, at 5:38 AM, Epstein had sent Ruemmler a message: ["You in NYC? If you can't persuade them to be out front. Do we fall back to research and support- the pussy position"](/thread/EFTA02285311). Ruemmler responded at 7:30 AM: ["Yes, until Weds a.m. Perhaps, but is that helpful enough?"](/thread/EFTA02285311) Epstein replied at 8:14 AM: ["time tomro? I was going to go to patrick new salon at 4"](/thread/EFTA02285311), and Ruemmler confirmed at 9:14 AM: ["Yes; good"](/thread/EFTA02285311). Epstein then forwarded this exchange to Lesley Groff to schedule the meeting.
Ruemmler's response ["Perhaps, but is that helpful enough?"](/thread/EFTA02285311) indicates she understood the strategic context — "them" likely referring to attorneys or allies who might publicly advocate for Epstein versus taking a behind-the-scenes "research and support" role. She was questioning whether the fallback strategy would be sufficient. Combined with the May 6 emails about meeting with attorney Marvin Putnam to "discuss legal stuff," this exchange clearly relates to legal strategy in the period immediately preceding Epstein's arrest.
This was the last substantive documented contact between Ruemmler and Epstein. After his arrest on July 6, 2019, the archive contains no evidence of communication between Ruemmler and anyone in Epstein's network, though such communications, if they occurred through attorney-client privileged channels or were part of the criminal investigation, would not be expected to appear in this archive.
## Connections
Ruemmler's correspondence intersected with multiple figures in Epstein's network. She had [569 shared emails](/person/lesley-groff-nameonly) with [Lesley Groff](/person/lesley-groff-nameonly), Epstein's longtime assistant, who coordinated most of her meetings and visits. [Darren Indyke](/person/darren-indyke) and [Rich Kahn](/person/rich-kahn), Epstein's attorneys and estate executors, appear in [49](/person/darren-indyke) and [35](/person/rich-kahn) shared emails respectively, often regarding meeting logistics and legal matters.
Ruemmler had [40 shared emails](/person/a-de-rothschild) with [A. de Rothschild](/person/a-de-rothschild) and regular contact with Epstein's legal team, including [34 shared emails](/person/martin-weinberg) with [Martin Weinberg](/person/martin-weinberg) and [16 shared emails](/person/ken-starr) with [Ken Starr](/person/ken-starr). She also had [18 shared emails](/person/eva-dubin-dubinandco) with [Eva Dubin](/person/eva-dubin-dubinandco) and [16 shared emails](/person/michael-wolff) with journalist [Michael Wolff](/person/michael-wolff).
In May 2017, Epstein's assistant invited [Brad Karp](/person/karp-brad-s-intel), chairman of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, to ["join him and Kathy Ruemmler tomorrow at the house at 5:30pm"](/drive/vol00011-efta02212889-pdf). Karp [agreed to join](/drive/vol00011-efta02213590-pdf) ["for about an hour"](/drive/vol00011-efta02213590-pdf) before leaving for another commitment,commitment. demonstratingThis documents coordination with other prominent attorneys in Epstein's circle.
## Document References
Beyond the email correspondence, Ruemmler appears in several categories of official documents related to Epstein's legal and financial affairs. The [Jeffrey E. Epstein 2018 Trust](/drive/vol00010-efta01266457-pdf), dated May 8, 2018, names ["DARREN K. INDYKE, RICHARD D. KAHN, and KATHERYN H. RUEMMLER, as Trustees"](/drive/vol00010-efta01266457-pdf) with full fiduciary authority over assets including specific bequests totaling tens of millions of dollars to named individuals and entities. This trust was superseded by the January 2019 trust, which removed Ruemmler from the trustee role but retained her as backup executor in the accompanying Will. The final August 2019 estate documents, executed shortly before Epstein's death and naming Boris Nikolic as backup executor, are not present in this archive.
Estate privilege logs from Epstein's estate, disclosed in federal court filings and reported by CNN in January 2026, document that Ruemmler was involved in communications regarding efforts to preserve Epstein's 2008 plea deal, drafting and editing proposed public statements, editing correspondence with a U.S. senator, and discussions related to victim settlements. The archive confirms her direct involvement in drafting public statements defending the plea deal (the March 2019 Washington Post response) and coordinating crisis communications (December 2018 Miami Herald response), though the specific correspondence with a U.S. senator mentioned in privilege logs does not appear in this archive. One entry in the privilege log shows Ruemmler emailed Epstein about a Washington Post editorial in March 2019, the day it was published — consistent with the March 7, 2019 emails documented above. Another entry from December 2018 suggests involvement in discussions about responding to the Miami Herald investigation — also consistent with the December 4, 2018 emails where Epstein identified Ruemmler as a key advisor recommending "a coordinated strategy."
## Visits to Epstein Properties
The archive documents numerous visits to Epstein's Manhattan townhouse at 9 East 71st Street:
### Manhattan Townhouse
1. April 6, 2015 - [12:00pm lunch](/thread/EFTA01745167) with Ruemmler and Nathan Myhrvold, followed by attendance at an unspecified meeting
2. September 13, 2014 - [7:30pm dinner](/thread/EFTA02096510) with Woody Allen, with Ruemmler as invited guest
3. October 15, 2016 - [3:30pm appointment](/thread/EFTA02191886)
4. May 19, 2017 - [5:30pm meeting](/drive/vol00011-efta02213590-pdf) with Brad Karp joining
5. June 14, 2017 - [2:00pm meeting](/drive/vol00011-efta02216991-pdf) with sushi lunch
6. August 2, 2017 - [4:00pm meeting](/drive/vol00011-efta02218157-pdf) at a restaurant (corner of Prince and Mott), followed by Epstein's dinner with Woody Allen
7. November 28, 2017 - [1:30-2:30pm appointment](/thread/EFTA02230779)
8. April 9, 2018 - [4:00pm meeting](/drive/vol00011-efta02479244-pdf)
9. June 8, 2018 - Arranged appointment with [Dr. Kruger at 11am](/thread/EFTA02249158) at Epstein's request
10. August 8, 2018 - [7:30pm dinner](/thread/EFTA02253732) with Woody Allen, Soon Yi, and Barry Sternlicht
11. May 21, 2019 - [5:30pm appointment](/thread/vol00009-efta00495517) scheduled but canceled by Ruemmler
12. October 11, 2023 - [Noon appointment](/thread/EFTA02245820) reconfirmed (note: this date is after Epstein's death in August 2019; likely a data error or relates to someone else)
Additional meetings occurred at restaurants and other locations in Manhattan, including a September 2015 dinner described in scheduling emails.
### Paris Apartment
In May 2019, Epstein arranged for his Paris driver to ["Take Care of Kathy while in Paris"](/thread/EFTA02285759) from May 15-18, 2019, directing the driver to provide transportation and assistance during her stay.
### Other Properties
No visits to Epstein's Little St. James island, Palm Beach residence, or New Mexico ranch are documented in the email archive, though gaps in the evidence do not preclude the possibility of such visits. The July 2015 email with Eva Dubin discussing a property with "cactus" references suggests possible engagement with discussions about Zorro Ranch but does not confirm travel there.
