Larry Summers Steps Back Amid Controversy Over Epstein Emails

Fri Dec 05 2025 06:46:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Harvard University's former president Larry Summers announces he will reduce public commitments following the release of emails revealing his continued relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, raising concerns about judgment and integrity.

Following the release of emails showing ongoing communication with Jeffrey Epstein after his 2008 guilty plea, Larry Summers, former president of Harvard University, announced he will step back from public engagements to rebuild trust. The emails have ignited criticism, including from Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, who suggested that Summers should sever ties with Harvard due to his poor judgment. The announcement comes amidst calls for an investigation into his relationship with Epstein, prompted by President Trump. Summers expressed deep regret for his actions, highlighting a need for personal accountability.

BOSTON (AP) — Larry Summers, the former president of Harvard University and former U.S. treasury secretary, announced he would be stepping back from public commitments following the release of emails that showed he maintained a friendly relationship with Jeffrey Epstein long after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl.

In a statement, Summers expressed his desire to rebuild trust and repair relationships with the people closest to me. He acknowledged feeling deeply ashamed of his actions, taking full responsibility for what he termed a misguided decision to remain in contact with Epstein.

While Summers did not specify the nature of his retreat from public life, he confirmed that he would continue teaching. However, it was reported that he is ending his fellowship at the Center for American Progress and no longer serves on Yale's Budget Lab advisory group.

The situation escalated when President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, calling for a Justice Department investigation into Summers' relationship with Epstein and other public figures. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that she has ordered a top prosecutor to investigate these claims.

Summers' announcement came just days after the emails were made public, highlighting continued communication with Epstein's extensive network of influential friends even after his conviction. In one, Summers described an interaction that seemed casual and dismissive of serious concerns.

Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized Summers, stating that he should no longer be associated with Harvard, labeling him as untrustworthy. She expressed that his ties to a convicted sex offender reflect severely poor judgment.

Summers, who served as treasury secretary from 1999 to 2001 under President Clinton and led Harvard from 2001 to 2006, is currently a professor at the institution. His recent involvement has spurred debates regarding ethics and accountability within academic and political circles.

As the implications of these revelations unfold, the broader discourse surrounding personal accountability and integrity in public service continues to gain prominence.