Former White House Counsel and ex-Goldman Sachs chief legal officer Kathy Ruemmler told a congressional panel that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein helped generate "single-digit millions" of dollars in legal business for her former law firm, according to a transcript of her closed-door testimony released on Wednesday.
Ruemmler appeared before the House Oversight Committee on July 15 as lawmakers continued investigating the government's handling of Epstein-related investigations and the network of influential people connected to him.
During the testimony, Ruemmler acknowledged that Epstein introduced her to several potential clients, including French banker Ariane de Rothschild, and also connected another lawyer at her firm with a criminal defense client, as ABC News reports.
While she did not disclose the exact amount of revenue, she estimated that the referrals brought in "single-digit millions" of dollars in legal fees.
Ruemmler Says Relationship Was Professional
Ruemmler maintained that she never formally represented Epstein as a lawyer. Instead, she described her interactions as occasional legal and public relations advice, similar to guidance she provided to many professional contacts.
She testified that she met Epstein around 20 times between 2014 and 2019. Their final conversation took place shortly after his July 2019 arrest. According to Ruemmler, Epstein briefly informed her that he had been arrested, and she immediately advised him to contact his attorney.
She also attended Epstein's arraignment in New York, explaining that she wanted firsthand information to update Ariane de Rothschild, with whom she had developed a professional relationship.
Continued Association After 2008 Conviction
Lawmakers questioned why Ruemmler continued interacting with Epstein despite knowing about his 2008 guilty plea involving solicitation of a minor.
She responded that Epstein had expressed remorse, embarrassment and regret over his past conduct. She further testified that she never witnessed or received any indication that he continued abusing women or girls during the period she knew him.
Ruemmler said she would have immediately informed law enforcement had she encountered evidence of ongoing criminal activity.
Also Read: Jeffrey Epstein's Model Recruiter Found Dead Under Mysterious Circumstances
Emails Face Fresh Scrutiny
Committee members also questioned several emails exchanged between Ruemmler and Epstein, including messages where she referred to him as "Uncle Jeffrey" and joked about "Jeffrey's type of massage."
She explained that the nickname was meant as a sarcastic response to what she described as Epstein's patronizing personality rather than a sign of personal closeness.
Addressing the emails, Ruemmler admitted they appear insensitive when viewed today but insisted they were never intended to mock victims.
She also acknowledged discussing allegations made by Virginia Giuffre in 2015. At the time, Ruemmler believed the claims lacked what she considered sufficient credibility based on her legal experience.
Giuffre's family strongly rejected those remarks after the transcript became public, accusing Ruemmler of attempting to undermine the credibility of one of Epstein's most prominent accusers.
Lawmakers Continue Expanding Epstein Probe
Toward the end of the hearing, Ruemmler criticized lawmakers for focusing on her association with Epstein rather than her own conduct. She argued that individuals should be judged for their actions instead of their professional relationships and warned against creating a precedent where mere association with someone accused or convicted of crimes becomes grounds for condemnation.
The testimony offers another glimpse into how Epstein maintained relationships with prominent figures in law, finance and politics even after his criminal conviction. Congressional investigators continue examining the extent of those connections as part of their broader review of the government's handling of the Epstein investigations.
Also Read: Gates Foundation Review Details Epstein Interactions, Rules Out Wrongdoing
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