Former Obama counsel to face House questions on Epstein ties

Kathryn Ruemmler, a former Obama White House counsel and former top Goldman Sachs lawyer, is scheduled to answer questions Wednesday before the House Oversight Committee about her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, Fortune reported. The committee is investigating whether Epstein’s wealth and powerful contacts helped protect him from scrutiny after his sex-crimes conviction.

Ruemmler is the 17th witness in the House inquiry, according to Fortune. The bipartisan investigation has already included testimony from more than a dozen high-profile figures, including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and former President Bill Clinton, as lawmakers examine Epstein’s personal and professional network.

Justice Department records released during the inquiry show that Ruemmler and Epstein had a broad relationship that went beyond legal work, according to Fortune. The records included emails, plans to meet socially and gifts, the report said.

Ruemmler served as White House counsel to President Barack Obama from 2011 to 2014 and was briefly considered for attorney general, Fortune reported. She later became Goldman Sachs’ general counsel and held that role for six years before announcing in February that she would leave the post amid criticism over her communications with Epstein.

Although Ruemmler said she would step down on June 30, she remains employed by Goldman Sachs, according to Fortune. The report did not specify her current role at the bank.

The Justice Department documents show that Ruemmler remained close to Epstein years after his 2008 sex-crimes conviction, after which he registered as a sex offender, according to Fortune. In later public comments, Ruemmler sought to minimize the relationship and described Epstein as a “monster,” while the released correspondence showed she referred to him as “Uncle Jeffrey” and wrote that she adored him, Fortune reported.

The committee’s work has also turned to billionaire investor Leon Black. Lawmakers subpoenaed Black last month after they said he declined to answer some questions about his long relationship with Epstein, according to Fortune.

A committee spokesperson said Black’s lawyers have confirmed that he will appear for a formal deposition on Sept. 3, Fortune reported. The spokesperson also said Black’s attorneys would provide his nondisclosure agreements by the end of next week.

Lawmakers have also shown interest in questioning acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, according to Fortune. Former Attorney General Pam Bondi identified Blanche as the Justice Department official handling the release of Epstein-related records, a process that has drawn scrutiny from both parties, while Blanche’s nomination to lead the department permanently is pending before the Senate.

This story draws on original reporting from Fortune.