Kathy Ruemmler, former top lawyer at Goldman Sachs, calls Epstein ‘masterful liar’ in House probe
Kathy Ruemmler, Goldman Sachs Legal Chief, Calls Epstein 'Masterful Liar' in House Inquiry
Tyunews.com – Kathy Ruemmler, the former top lawyer at Goldman Sachs, has become a key witness in the House Oversight Committee's investigation into the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. During a recent testimony, Ruemmler described Epstein as a "masterful liar" who skillfully manipulated perceptions of his actions and relationships. Her insights add a new layer to the probe, which has been examining how Epstein's legal and financial network concealed his misconduct over years.
Epstein's Social Tactics and Business Connections
Ruemmler, who served as Goldman Sachs' chief legal officer, shared her perspective on Epstein's social strategies during the hearing. She noted that the gifts Epstein presented to her were common in business circles, such as invitations to Knicks games or golf outings. These gestures, she explained, were part of standard networking practices. However, Ruemmler later admitted that Epstein used these interactions to enhance his public image and build trust with influential figures.
"Epstein was a masterful liar, and he clearly lied to me," Ruemmler said. "I can see now that he used me and other respectable people to legitimize his standing, and I know now that he often exaggerated his relationship with me to others."
Her testimony highlighted the disconnect between Epstein's outward behavior and the allegations against him. Ruemmler stated she did not witness any criminal acts during their relationship, but she now acknowledges that Epstein's actions were more calculated than she initially believed. This shift in her understanding underscores the evolving nature of the inquiry, which seeks to uncover the full extent of Epstein's influence and deception.
Legal Role and Post-Arrest Interactions
Ruemmler clarified that while she provided legal and public relations counsel to Epstein, she did not serve as his official attorney. Her role was advisory, which she described as a "certain level of trust" in his ability to manage his affairs. However, after Epstein's 2019 arrest, she cut all ties with him, stating that she regretted her earlier engagement. The testimony also revealed that Ruemmler remained connected to Epstein even after his conviction, including during the days leading to his death.
"If I knew then what I know now about who Epstein really was, I would never have accepted an initial meeting with him," she added. "It was a mistake to deal with him, and I regret it."
Representative Robert Garcia of the Democratic Party questioned Ruemmler's continued interactions with Epstein post-conviction, emphasizing that she was among the last people he spoke to before his passing. Garcia pointed out the apparent contradiction between her previous confidence in Epstein's legal standing and her later acknowledgment of his deceptive nature.
Epstein's Image and Misunderstandings
Ruemmler's testimony also shed light on how Epstein managed to maintain a positive reputation despite his criminal activities. She believed his 2008 guilty plea to prostitution-related charges signified a resolution of his misconduct. However, she now admits that Epstein's behavior was more insidious, as he often lied about his connections and actions to others. This revelation suggests that even respected individuals within his network were unaware of the full scale of his deceit.
"Those horrific allegations — which covered conduct that had occurred almost 10 years before I met Epstein — contradicted what I had understood about the nature and scope of that prior conduct," Ruemmler stated.
As the House probe continues, Ruemmler's account provides critical context for understanding how Epstein's relationships with high-profile individuals were used to obscure his crimes. Her admission of regret underscores the personal impact of the investigation, revealing how the former top lawyer at Goldman Sachs grappled with her role in his narrative.
Ruemmler's testimony, delivered on July 15, 2026, has sparked renewed scrutiny of Epstein's case and the systems that allowed his activities to go unchecked. The hearing has exposed the complexity of his network, with Ruemmler's insights emphasizing the strategic use of charm and deception to maintain influence. As the probe progresses, it aims to clarify whether Epstein's actions were isolated or part of a broader pattern of manipulation within elite circles.