The latest disclosure by the Department of Justice of countless emails and other records pertaining to the infamous sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has triggered a series of resignations and considerable discomfort for numerous prominent individuals globally whose connections to him have been revealed.
Those individuals comprise the chief legal officer at the prominent investment bank Goldman Sachs, the CEO of Dubai‘s primary port, a prior president of Harvard University, a former U.S. president and ex-secretary of State, as well as the chairman of a prominent American corporate law firm.
The repercussions stemming from the Epstein documentation and the associates mentioned within have even jeopardized the government of United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, despite the fact that the Labour Party leader was never acquainted with the convicted sex offender.
Epstein, who fostered relationships with numerous wealthy and influential individuals, pleaded guilty in 2008 in Florida to state criminal accusations related to soliciting prostitution, one of which pertained to a minor under the age of 18.
He ultimately spent 13 months in prison in that matter but was permitted to visit his office on multiple occasions for work.
In August 2019, Epstein took his own life in a New York City jail, mere weeks after his arrest on federal child sex trafficking charges.
Several of the individuals who have stepped down from their positions recently had cordial relationships with Epstein following his widely reported 2008 conviction.
Being named in the Epstein records does not imply that an individual was involved in any of the crimes to which he previously pleaded guilty or was later accused. None of those identified by CNBC as being impacted by their connections to Epstein have faced charges for such actions.
Below are a few notable individuals who have suffered consequences due to their ties to the Epstein records:
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem: CEO of DP World
Sulayem resigned as the head of Dubai’s largest port operator on Feb. 13, after a decade of leadership. Records indicated Epstein previously referred to Sulayem as one of his “most trusted friends.” CNBC has contacted the Dubai Media Office and DP World for comments from Sulayem, who has yet to make a public statement on the issue.
Kathryn Ruemmler: Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Goldman Sachs
Ruemmler, a previous White House counsel under President Barack Obama, declared her resignation from Goldman Sachs on Feb. 12, effective at the end of June. Recently, The Wall Street Journal reported that Ruemmler was among three individuals Epstein contacted upon his arrest in July 2019. She once expressed gratitude to Epstein for receiving extravagant gifts, referring to him as “Uncle Jeffrey.” Ruemmler informed the Journal in January: “As I have stated, I regret ever having known him and I sympathize deeply with the victims of Epstein’s actions.”
Brad Karp: Chairman of Paul Weiss
Karp stepped down as chairman of Paul Weiss on Feb. 4, after heading the prestigious corporate law firm since 2008. Records reveal Karp expressed gratitude to Epstein for a “once in a lifetime” evening in 2015, and inquired if he could assist his son in obtaining a position in a Woody Allen film in 2016. Just prior to his resignation, Paul Weiss issued a statement to The New York Times indicating, “Mr. Karp attended two group dinners in New York City and had a limited number of social exchanges via email, all of which he regrets.”
David Gelernter: Yale University computer science professor
Gelernter was prohibited from teaching at Yale as of Feb. 11 while the university evaluates his ties to Epstein. Gelernter had a significant amount of email correspondence with Epstein, including a 2011 message where he recommended a Yale student for a project, describing her as a “small goodlooking blonde.” Gelernter has not responded to inquiries from CNBC after Yale’s decision.
Bill Clinton: Former U.S. president
Clinton traveled on Epstein’s private jet numerous times in 2002 and 2003, and was photographed in informal social environments with both Epstein and the convicted procurer, Ghislaine Maxwell. Clinton initially resisted a subpoena from the House Oversight Committee to discuss Epstein, but consented to testify after being threatened with contempt of Congress. He is scheduled to give testimony on Feb. 27. Clinton’s spokesperson in 2019 stated that, “President Clinton has no knowledge of the terrible crimes Jeffrey Epstein admitted to in Florida years ago or those he has been recently charged with in New York.” Clinton on Feb. 7 retweeted a post on X from his spokesperson that remarked, “What the DOJ has disclosed so far, along with how it’s been handled, makes it evident that someone or something is being shielded. We remain unaware of who or what that is. However, we are not in need of such protection. This is why only the Clintons have called for a public hearing.”
Hillary Clinton: Former secretary of State
Hillary Clinton, who is partnered with the former president, has remarked that she does not recollect ever engaging with Epstein. In spite of this, the House Oversight Committee issued a subpoena for her to testify in its investigation involving the predator. Like her husband, she initially declined to appear but later agreed to testify on Feb. 26 after being threatened with contempt charges. While addressing the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 14, Clinton reiterated her call for all Epstein documents to be released, stating, “This must be completely transparent,” The Independent reported. “I’ve been advocating for many years for the total release of these documents so that people can not only review their contents but also hold individuals accountable if deemed proper. We will see how it unfolds,” she commented.
Peter Mandelson: UK ambassador to the U.S.
Mandelson was dismissed by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sep. 12 and resigned from the Labour Party on Feb. 2 due to his connections to Epstein. Mandelson penned a message in Epstein’s 50th Birthday Book, referring to him as “my best pal,” and has faced allegations of providing Epstein market-sensitive government intel post the 2008 financial downturn. In comments made to the Financial Times in February 2025, he expressed regret at ever meeting Epstein or being introduced through his partner Ghislaine Maxwell. He also stated, “I feel even more remorse regarding the harm he inflicted upon numerous young women. I won’t delve into this further. It’s an obsession for the FT and, quite frankly, you can all f— off. Understood?”
Morgan McSweeney: Chief of Staff to the U.K. prime minister
McSweeney resigned on Feb. 11, assuming responsibility for Starmer’s decision to appoint Mandelson as ambassador. He informed reporters, “The choice to appoint Peter Mandelson was in error,” claiming that the ex-ambassador “harmed our party, our nation, and the integrity of politics as a whole.”
Larry Summers: OpenAI board member and former Harvard University president
Summers declared in November that he would withdraw from public obligations, including his role as a board member at the AI firm OpenAI and teaching at Harvard. The previous Treasury head was selected as a backup executor in a 2014 version of Epstein’s will. In a November statement, he expressed, “I am exceedingly embarrassed about my past actions and acknowledge the distress they have caused. I accept full accountability for my flawed judgment in continuing communications with Mr. Epstein.”
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor: Former prince, Duke of York
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, previously Prince Andrew, Duke of York, had his titles and residence revoked in a statement from Buckingham Palace on Oct. 30. Mountbatten-Windsor settled a lawsuit from Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre in 2022 without conceding any guilt, and authorities in London are investigating allegations that he shared Epstein confidential documents. In a 2019 statement, Mountbatten-Windsor articulated, “I continue to absolutely regret my ill-considered connection with Jeffrey Epstein. His suicide has resulted in numerous unresolved issues, especially for his victims, and I genuinely empathize with everyone who has been impacted and desires closure. My hope is that, over time, they will find a way to rebuild their lives. Naturally, I am prepared to assist any appropriate law enforcement agency with inquiries, if needed.”
Sarah Ferguson: Former Duchess of York
Ferguson’s charitable organization, Sarah’s Trust, which aimed at enhancing the lives of women and children, announced its closure on Feb. 2. The ex-wife of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor referred to Epstein as “a legend” and “the brother I’ve always wanted” in emails long after his 2008 conviction. In a statement to the Guardian last September, a representative for Ferguson stated, “The duchess expressed her regret regarding her association with Epstein many years prior, and as always, her primary concern is with his victims.”
Jack Lang: President of the Arab World Institute and former Culture minister of France
Lang, the most prominent figure in France cited in the documents, resigned as the head of the Arab World Institute on Feb. 7 after presiding over the cultural establishment since 2013. Lang was referenced over 600 times in the newly released files dating back to 2012 when he was introduced to Epstein by their shared acquaintance Woody Allen, according to The New York Times. French authorities have indicated that they are probing reports of financial links between Lang and Epstein, with the financial prosecutor’s office investigating both Lang and his daughter, Caroline, for suspected “aggravated tax fraud laundering.” Lang has characterized the allegations against him as “groundless,” asserting that the inquiry “will shed significant light on the accusations questioning my integrity and honor.” His daughter refutes any misconduct.
Mona Juul: Norwegian ambassador
Juul resigned on Feb. 8 after Norway’s foreign ministry had suspended her earlier that week. Her resignation followed reports suggesting that her children and spouse, Terje Rød-Larsen, would inherit $10 million from a will created by Epstein just two days prior to his suicide. Juul acknowledged in early February that she had interacted with Epstein through Rød-Larsen but also expressed that she “should have exercised much greater caution.”
Miroslav Lajčák: National security advisor to the prime minister of Slovakia and former president of the UN General Assembly
Lajčák resigned on Jan. 31 after serving in four successive Slavic governments. Correspondence from 2018 reveals Lajčák discussing women with Epstein, stating, “Why not invite me to these events? I would take the ‘MI’ girl.” Lajčák reportedly conveyed to Radio Slovakia, “Upon reading those messages today, I feel foolish.” He remarked in the same interview that he displayed “poor judgment and inappropriate communication… Those messages were simply foolish male egos at play, self-satisfied male banter.” He concluded, “There were no girls involved… the mere fact that someone interacts with a sexual predator does not make him a sexual predator.”
David Ross: Chair of New York’s School of Visual Arts
Ross, who previously directed the Whitney Museum, stepped down from the chair position of the Master of Fine Arts in art practice at SVA on Feb. 3. Ross referred to Epstein as “incredible” following a proposal for an exhibition featuring children aged 14-25 titled “Statutory.” Ross informed The New York Times that he regretted being “deceived” by Epstein’s assertion that he was a victim of a political conspiracy due to his association with Bill Clinton. “I remain horrified by his offenses and deeply concerned for his numerous victims,” he remarked to the Times.
Joanna Rubinstein: Chair of Sweden for the UN Refugee Agency
Rubinstein declared her resignation on Feb. 2 from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees after records surfaced regarding a 2012 family visit to Epstein’s private island. In an email, Rubinstein expressed gratitude to Epstein for “an afternoon in paradise” on behalf of her children and herself. “I was aware of the verdict at the time of the visit. What has since been uncovered regarding the extent of the abuse is horrifying and something I firmly distance myself from,” Rubinstein told the Swedish publication Expressen.
Casey Wasserman: Founder, Chairman and CEO of Wasserman talent agency; Chairman of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Wasserman, the owner of a prominent talent and marketing agency and the chairman of the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games, initiated the process of selling his company after emails from over 20 years ago between him and Maxwell were made public. Following these revelations, several clients, including Grammy-winning artist Chappell Roan, announced they would be departing the agency. Wasserman asserted that he “never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein” and that he had “become a distraction” in a memo to his staff, which was covered by The Wall Street Journal. The Journal also noted, based on sources familiar with the issue, that the committee organizing the LA Olympic Games unanimously voted to retain Wasserman as chairman.
Steve Tisch: Chairman and co-owner of the New York Giants
The National Football League announced on Feb. 2 that it would investigate Tisch, a former film producer who has been the Giants’ executive vice president since 2005. Tisch was referenced more than 400 times in the disclosed files, with one document revealing that he queried Epstein whether women were “pro or civilian.” In a statement to ESPN in January, Tisch remarked, “We had a brief relationship where we exchanged emails regarding adult women, and additionally, we spoke about films, philanthropy, and investments.” Tisch further stated, “I did not accept any of his invitations and never visited his island. We now know he was a horrible individual and someone I tremendously regret associating with.”
Thorbjørn Jagland: Former prime minister of Norway
Jagland was charged with “aggravated corruption” on Feb. 12 following a police investigation into his associations with Epstein. Jagland, who was prime minister of Norway from 1996 until 1997, is being scrutinized to determine if “gifts, travel, and loans were accepted concerning his official capacity,” as per investigators. An email from 2014 details a proposed visit for Jagland and his family to Epstein’s private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Jagland’s legal representatives asserted that he “denies all accusations.”
Jes Staley: CEO of Barclays
Staley served as CEO of Barclays from October 2015 until his resignation in late 2021. His exit followed an investigation by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority into his association with Epstein. The regulator imposed a fine exceeding $2 million and permanently disqualified him from holding a management role within the sector in 2023. In 2020, Staley stated, “Clearly, I thought I knew him well, but I did not. In hindsight, with our current understanding, I sincerely regret any affiliation with Jeffrey.”
Alex Acosta: U.S. Labor secretary
Acosta declared his resignation in a letter to President Donald Trump on July 12, 2019, amid controversy surrounding his agreement of a federal non-prosecution deal with Epstein in 2008 when he was the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida. Acosta defended that arrangement — which mandated Epstein to plead guilty to Florida state offenses of soliciting a minor for prostitution — during a six-hour testimony in September before the House Oversight Committee. “I provided testimony for six hours. I’ll allow the records to speak for themselves,” Acosta stated after the hearing.
— CNBC’s Garrett Downs contributed to this report.
WATCH: Commerce Sec. Howard Lutnick admits visiting Epstein island during family vacation
