Harvard University has launched a new review into Larry Summers’ connections to Jeffrey Epstein, prompting the former Harvard president to step back from his teaching duties and other leadership roles. The university confirmed the investigation on Wednesday, saying it will assess information found in newly released Epstein documents to determine whether further action is warranted.
A university spokesperson told media that the review will focus on “individuals at Harvard included in the newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents.” The move comes five years after Harvard completed a prior examination of its ties to Epstein, including his donations to the institution.
Summers Steps Back From Teaching and Directorial Role
According to Summers’ spokesperson, the former Treasury secretary will not teach for the remainder of the semester. His co-instructors will lead the final sessions, and he is not scheduled to teach next semester.
Summers will also take leave as director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at the Harvard Kennedy School. “Mr. Summers has decided it’s in the best interest of the Center for him to go on leave from his role as Director as Harvard undertakes its review,” his spokesperson said.
The Harvard Crimson was the first to report the development. Summers had previously indicated that he intended to continue teaching, despite stepping back from public commitments, such as his resignation from the OpenAI board.
Summers Addresses Students Amid Renewed Scrutiny
In a video obtained by the Associated Press, Summers briefly addressed the subject in class on Wednesday. He acknowledged his “shame” regarding his communications with Epstein and reiterated his intent to fulfill his teaching responsibilities. Students were told the class would continue as scheduled.
Earlier in the day, Summers resigned from OpenAI’s board of directors. The company released a statement expressing appreciation for his contributions and respecting his decision to step down.
Public Response and Context Surrounding the Larry Summers Harvard Investigation
Summers said Monday he was “deeply ashamed” of his past communication with Epstein, whose email exchanges with him were released last week by the House Oversight Committee. While no Epstein survivor has accused Summers of misconduct, and no evidence links him to Epstein’s crimes, the renewed spotlight has intensified calls for Harvard to distance itself, including from Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
Summers has pledged to step away from public-facing roles as part of what he describes as an effort to “rebuild trust and repair relationships with the people closest to me.”
Past Interactions Between Summers and Epstein
Reports have long indicated that Summers maintained a relationship with Epstein beginning in the early 2000s, including during Summers’ tenure as Harvard president from 2001 to 2006. University records show Summers flew on Epstein’s aircraft at least four times, and Harvard accepted millions in donations from Epstein before his 2008 conviction in Florida for solicitation of prostitution with a minor.
Epstein was later charged federally with sex trafficking in July 2019 and died by suicide the following month.
