Boston, Massachusetts, November 19, 2025
Larry Summers, former U.S. Treasury Secretary and Harvard President Emeritus, has announced he will step back from public commitments following the release of emails revealing his ongoing communication with Jeffrey Epstein. Summers expressed regret for his actions and aims to rebuild trust while fulfilling his teaching obligations. The House Oversight Committee released documents highlighting Summers’ relationship with Epstein, prompting several organizations, including the Center for American Progress and the Yale Budget Lab, to sever ties with him. Political figures have also reacted, calling for further scrutiny.
Boston, Massachusetts
Former U.S. Treasury Secretary and Harvard University President Emeritus Larry Summers has announced he is stepping back from public commitments following the release of emails revealing his continued communication with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Summers expressed deep regret over his actions, acknowledging the pain they have caused and taking full responsibility for his decision to maintain contact with Epstein. While he intends to continue fulfilling his teaching obligations at Harvard, Summers stated he will step back from other public roles to rebuild trust and repair personal relationships.
The House Oversight Committee recently released thousands of documents related to Epstein, including personal correspondence between Summers and Epstein. These emails, dating from 2013 to 2019, show a friendly relationship between the two, even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. In one 2019 email, Epstein referred to himself as Summers’ “wing man,” indicating a close association.
In response to the revelations, several organizations have severed ties with Summers. The Center for American Progress confirmed that Summers is ending his fellowship, and the Yale Budget Lab announced he is no longer a member of its advisory group. OpenAI, where Summers joined the board in 2023, declined to comment on his status. Harvard University has initiated a review of the information concerning individuals affiliated with the university included in the newly released Epstein documents to evaluate what actions may be warranted.
Political figures have also weighed in on the matter. Senator Elizabeth Warren called for institutions to sever ties with Summers, stating that his continued association with Epstein demonstrates poor judgment and disqualifies him from advising policymakers or teaching students. President Donald Trump has ordered the Justice Department to investigate ties between Epstein and several prominent Democrats, including Summers, and a federal prosecutor has been appointed to oversee the inquiry.
Summers has expressed a desire to rebuild trust and repair relationships with those affected by his actions. He acknowledged the pain caused by his continued communication with Epstein and accepted full responsibility for his decision to maintain contact with him.
FAQ
What prompted Larry Summers to step back from public commitments?
The release of emails revealing his continued communication with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein led Summers to step back from public commitments.
What actions have organizations taken in response to the revelations about Summers?
The Center for American Progress and the Yale Budget Lab have severed ties with Summers, ending his fellowship and advisory role, respectively.
Has Harvard University commented on the situation?
Harvard University has initiated a review of the information concerning individuals affiliated with the university included in the newly released Epstein documents to evaluate what actions may be warranted.
What political reactions have occurred regarding Summers’ ties to Epstein?
Senator Elizabeth Warren has called for institutions to sever ties with Summers, and President Donald Trump has ordered the Justice Department to investigate ties between Epstein and several prominent Democrats, including Summers.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Individual Involved | Larry Summers, former U.S. Treasury Secretary and Harvard University President Emeritus |
| Issue | Revelation of continued communication with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein |
| Actions Taken | Summers stepping back from public commitments; organizations severing ties |
| Political Reactions | Calls for severing ties; Justice Department investigation ordered |
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