Story perspectives

Former Obama Counsel Ruemmler Received Lavish Gifts from Epstein

1/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Kathryn Ruemmler, former White House counsel to Barack Obama, received lavish gifts from Jeffrey Epstein after leaving the White House.
The gifts included a $9,400 Hermes handbag and a spa trip.
Emails show Ruemmler expressed excitement about the gifts, calling them "so sweet."
Correspondence suggests she was compensated for advising Epstein on public relations strategies, despite her denial.
Goldman Sachs spokesman Tony Fratto noted Epstein's pattern of offering unsolicited favors.

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Story summary

Kathryn Ruemmler, former White House counsel to Barack Obama, received lavish gifts from Jeffrey Epstein after leaving the White House.
The gifts included a $9,400 Hermes handbag and a spa trip.
Emails show Ruemmler expressed excitement about the gifts, calling them "so sweet."
Correspondence suggests she was compensated for advising Epstein on public relations strategies, despite her denial.
Goldman Sachs spokesman Tony Fratto noted Epstein's pattern of offering unsolicited favors.