Larry Summers Steps Back Amid Epstein Fallout

Tue Nov 18 2025 19:43:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Former Harvard president and U.S. Treasury Secretary, Larry Summers, announces plans to reduce public engagements due to revelations about his ongoing communication with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Larry Summers, once a prominent figure in academia and government, is stepping back from public commitments after emails surfaced that reveal his continued correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of soliciting underage girls. Summers expressed deep regret and a desire to rebuild trust with those affected. As a result, he is ending his fellowship at the Center for American Progress and relinquishing advisory roles at other organizations. Summons' announcement comes amid broader scrutiny surrounding Epstein’s connections to elite figures, including potential investigations led by Attorney General Pam Bondi at the request of President Donald Trump.

BOSTON (FluxDaily) — In the wake of controversial revelations surrounding his connection with Jeffrey Epstein, Larry Summers, the former president of Harvard University and ex-U.S. treasury secretary, has announced his intention to step back from several public commitments. This decision follows the release of emails that show Summers maintained a relationship with Epstein well after the financier's 2008 guilty plea for soliciting sex from an underage girl.

Summers expressed in a written statement that he feels deeply ashamed of his decisions and recognizes the hurt his association has caused. I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein, Summers elaborated, indicating that he will focus on rebuilding trust and repairing personal relationships. He did not provide details on what this stepping back entails, but he affirmed his commitment to continue teaching.

Following the fallout, the Center for American Progress confirmed that Summers is ending his fellowship, and similar announcements were made from organizations where he held advisory roles.

Summers’ move comes shortly after President Donald Trump urged investigations into Summers' ties with Epstein and other notable figures, including former President Bill Clinton. Attorney General Pam Bondi has since designated a top federal prosecutor to manage the inquiry.

Formerly known for a prominent role in shaping economic policy during the Clinton administration and for his presidency at Harvard from 2001 to 2006, Summers is now grappling with the implications of his past associations.

Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, who previously taught at Harvard, criticized Summers, asserting he cannot be trusted around students and calling for the severing of ties between Harvard and Summers.

Warren remarked that Summers’ history of favoring the wealthy, compounded by his connection to a convicted sex offender, reflects a profound lapse in judgment.

Summers further stated that he regretted many choices in life, particularly his involvement with Epstein, which he described as a major error leading to significant personal and professional repercussions.

Epstein's death in 2019 while awaiting trial has intensified the focus on his illicit activities and the networks of powerful individuals linked to him. The recent emails made public expose a web of influential interactions, including Summers’ correspondence where language indicating familiarity and uneven sentiments can be noted.