Larry Summers Steps Back Amid Epstein Controversy

Tue Nov 18 2025 20:41:24 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Former Harvard president Larry Summers has announced a temporary retreat from public roles following the release of emails revealing a continued friendship with Jeffery Epstein, sparking condemnation and debates over accountability.

In the aftermath of newly released emails that reveal a friendly relationship between Larry Summers and Jeffrey Epstein, Summers has declared his intention to step back from public commitments. His acknowledgment of the situation and promise to rebuild trust comes as pressure mounts for accountability, particularly from figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren who question his connections to the prestigious Harvard community.

BOSTON (AP) — Larry Summers, the former president of Harvard University and U.S. Treasury Secretary, has decided to step back from his public roles following the release of emails revealing a continued friendship with Jeffrey Epstein even after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution from underage girls.

In his statement, Summers expressed a desire to 'rebuild trust and repair relationships with the people closest to me' and admitted he was 'deeply ashamed' of his actions regarding his connection to Epstein.

Summers has not clarified exactly what 'stepping back' involves, although he confirmed he will continue his teaching responsibilities. The Center for American Progress has stated that he is concluding his fellowship with the organization, and Yale University also recognized that he has exited from its advisory group.

This announcement follows President Trump's assertion on social media, where he mentioned he would be asking the Justice Department to investigate Summers, along with other prominent figures like former President Bill Clinton. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is leading this investigation, with confirmed actions to pursue these inquiries.

Summers' relationship with Epstein has raised significant concerns among several critics. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren has been outspoken in her condemnation, insisting that Harvard should sever ties with Summers as trust has been shaken, expressing disbelief that he would maintain connections with someone like Epstein.

Summers served as Treasury Secretary from 1999 to 2001 under President Clinton and was the president of Harvard University from 2001 to 2006. He currently is a professor and directs the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at Harvard. The newly released emails include personal communications demonstrating an inconsiderate attitude towards the gravity of Epstein’s past offenses, which Summers has now described as a significant error in judgment.

Epstein died in a Manhattan jail in 2019 while awaiting trial for charges related to the sexual abuse of underage girls. His legacy continues to impact social and institutional relationships significantly, with revelations now sparking vital conversations on accountability and responsibility within elite circles.