Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has announced he is stepping back from all public commitments following the release of emails that reveal his communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement obtained by CNBC, Summers expressed deep regret for his actions, acknowledging the pain they have caused. “I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein,” he said.
While Summers will continue his teaching obligations at Harvard University, where he previously served as president, he plans to limit his public engagements as part of his effort to address the controversy. In addition to his teaching role, Summers serves on the board of OpenAI and contributes as a columnist for Bloomberg News.
The controversy erupted after the Harvard Crimson published details from emails exchanged between Summers and Epstein, which emerged from a trove of documents released by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. This release followed a subpoena from Epstein’s estate and included over 20,000 documents.
The Crimson reported that Summers, while pursuing a romantic relationship with a woman he described as a mentee, sought advice from Epstein. Correspondence between the two men, dated from November 2018 to July 2019, revealed Summers consulting Epstein, despite being married, about his romantic pursuits. In one message, Epstein humorously referred to himself as Summers’ “wingman.” Summers wrote in a separate email that he was perceived as a mentor, indicating that he felt “very warmly in rear view mirror category” regarding the relationship.
The fallout from this revelation has prompted significant backlash, with prominent figures calling for accountability. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, a former Harvard Law professor, stated in an interview with CNN that the university should sever ties with Summers. She criticized his judgment, saying that a man who cannot distance himself from a convicted sex offender “cannot be trusted” with students. Warren condemned Summers’ history of prioritizing the wealthy and well-connected, underscoring the implications of his support for Epstein, especially given Epstein’s notorious history of sex offenses involving minors.
The scrutiny surrounding Summers is heightened against the backdrop of Epstein’s criminal legacy. Epstein died by suicide in August 2019, shortly after being arrested on child sex trafficking charges. As the situation continues to develop, CNBC has reached out to OpenAI for comment regarding Summers’ position on its board.
This story remains breaking news. Please check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/17/larry-summers-jeffrey-epstein-harvard.html
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Publish Date: 2025-11-18 07:25:00
