Larry Summers Takes Leave from Harvard Amid Epstein Email Revelations

Fri Dec 05 2025 04:56:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has stepped away from his teaching role at Harvard following the disclosure of emails highlighting his connections with Jeffrey Epstein, amidst growing scrutiny from students and faculty alike.

Larry Summers, former U.S. Treasury Secretary and Harvard professor, has decided to take a leave of absence from his teaching position due to the fallout from emails revealing his friendly correspondence with the late Jeffrey Epstein. Despite initial intentions to remain in his role amidst the controversy, Summers opted to step back as Harvard conducts a review following increased pressure from students and the public. The emails disclose conversations regarding personal matters, further complicating Summers' public image and leading to his exit from various organizations and affiliations.

Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers abruptly went on leave Wednesday from teaching at Harvard University due to the release of emails showing a friendly relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, as confirmed by his spokesperson.

Summers, who recently faced increasing scrutiny from students regarding his role, had previously announced his intention to continue teaching economics classes amidst these revelations.

By Wednesday evening, however, Summers not only stepped away from his teaching duties but also from his role as director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at Harvard Kennedy School. His spokesperson stated that he believed it was in the best interest of the center to take this leave of absence while Harvard carried out its review.

It remains uncertain whether Summers will return to his teaching position next semester. This decision to take a leave was first reported by The Harvard Crimson.

While Harvard did not name Summers in its announcement to restart its investigation, the context indicates that his association with Epstein has raised significant concerns. Further emphasis on the timing of Summers’ leave came as a result of emails that revealed he maintained a personal correspondence with Epstein following the financier’s guilty plea in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

In a surprising development, Summers had also decided earlier on Wednesday to sever all ties with OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT.

The correspondence discloses not only professional inquiries but also personal advice sought from Epstein concerning a romantic interest, showcasing an unusual rapport between the two men. Epstein had responded in part by humorously stating he could act as a wingman.

Summers had made a brief appearance in his class on Tuesday, expressing his regret regarding his past communications with Epstein. He emphasized the importance of fulfilling his teaching obligations despite the growing backlash.

Following the email disclosures, other organizations, including the Center for American Progress and Yale University, confirmed the end of their relationships with Summers.

Summers previously served as Treasury Secretary from 1999 to 2001 and led Harvard as president from 2001 to 2006. His statements regarding the recent situation express deep regret and acknowledge his association with Epstein as a 'major error in judgment.' As the investigation continues, the broader implications for his legacy at Harvard remain to be seen.

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