Larry Summers, the former president of Harvard University and ex-US treasury secretary, has ceased his teaching duties as Harvard investigates his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, revealed in recently released emails that show communication up until Epstein’s arrest. This decision, announced on Wednesday, follows Summers’ step back from public commitments and resignations from multiple high-profile roles, underscoring the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal.
The announcement came through Summers’ spokesperson, who confirmed that he will not teach for the remainder of the semester and is taking immediate leave from his directorship at the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at Harvard Kennedy School. Harvard University is conducting a review of individuals mentioned in over 20,000 pages of Epstein documents released by the US House oversight committee last week. Summers initially addressed the issue in a class on Tuesday, expressing regret and shame, but reversed his plan to continue teaching after further consideration.
The emails, which span until the day before Epstein’s arrest in July 2019, reveal a close relationship where Summers sought personal advice, including on romantic matters involving a mentee. In one exchange from 2018, Epstein referred to himself as Summers’ “wingman,” and the correspondence included discussions of frequent dinners and connections to prominent global figures. While no evidence links Summers to Epstein’s crimes, and no survivors have accused him of misconduct, the emails have raised ethical concerns about his judgment.
In response, Summers has publicly taken “full responsibility” for his “misguided decision” to communicate with Epstein and stated his intention to “rebuild trust and repair relationships” with those closest to him. He has resigned from several positions, including the board of OpenAI, the Center for Global Development, the Peterson Institute for International Economics, and others, as part of his withdrawal from public life. OpenAI acknowledged his contributions and respected his decision, highlighting the broad impact of the scandal.
Harvard’s investigation is part of a broader examination of the university’s historical ties to Epstein, who donated about $9 million to the institution between 1998 and 2008. The current review focuses on the newly disclosed emails and could lead to further disciplinary actions. Concurrently, Congress passed a bill, signed by President Donald Trump on Wednesday, requiring the US Justice Department to release additional Epstein-related files within 30 days, potentially revealing more about the network.
The fallout extends beyond Harvard, affecting Summers’ reputation and roles in various sectors. As a former treasury secretary under Bill Clinton and director of the National Economic Council under Barack Obama, his associations have drawn political attention, with Trump referencing the emails in social media posts. The case highlights the enduring consequences of connections to controversial figures and the importance of ethical standards in public life.
Looking ahead, the outcome of Harvard’s investigation will likely shape Summers’ future, including his status as a professor, though he is not scheduled to teach next semester. The release of more documents by the Justice Department may provide further insights into Epstein’s circle, potentially implicating other high-profile individuals and institutions. This episode serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in addressing past missteps.
