local
Former Obama White House attorney says ‘it was a mistake’ to deal with Epstein and she regrets it
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 15, 2026
· 7 min read
By Annie Grayer, Andrew Kaczynski, Em Steck, CNN
(CNN) — Former Obama White House counsel Kathy Ruemmler said she regrets interacting with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and believes now it was a mistake, according to opening remarks she delivered to House committee investigato...
Key takeaway “But many people assume that given everything we know now about Epstein, everyone who dealt with him before his 2019 indictment must have known everything then.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The revelation that former Obama White House counsel Kathy Ruemmler regrets her interactions with Jeffrey Epstein may have implications for El Paso 's own efforts to combat human trafficking. As a border city, El Paso has long been a hub for anti-trafficking initiatives, with local law enforcement and advocacy groups working to identify and support victims. Ruemmler's comments highlight the complexities of dealing with individuals who have been accused of such crimes, and the importance of vigilance in preventing exploitation. In El Paso, this means continued support for programs that provide services to survivors of trafficking, as well as increased awareness and education about the warning signs of exploitation. By learning from Ruemmler's experience, El Paso can reinforce its commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and holding perpetrators accountable. The city's unique position on the border makes it a critical player in the fight against human trafficking, and Ruemmler's story serves as a reminder to remain vigilant in this effort.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 7 min
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What is this story about? By Annie Grayer, Andrew Kaczynski, Em Steck, CNN
(CNN) — Former Obama White House counsel Kathy Ruemmler said she regrets interacting with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and believes now it was a mistake, according to opening remarks she delivered to House committee investigato...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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