Former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has announced he is stepping back from public commitments following the release of emails between him and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Harvard professor expressed deep regret for his communications with Epstein, who referred to himself as Summers’ “wing man” in a 2018 message.
“I am deeply ashamed of my actions and recognize the pain they have caused,” Summers told Politico. “I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr Epstein. While continuing to fulfil my teaching obligations, I will be stepping back from public commitments as one part of my broader effort to rebuild trust.”
The left-leaning thinktank Center for American Progress confirmed that Summers is ending his role as distinguished senior fellow. The decision follows calls from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle for institutions to cut ties with Summers. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren told CNN that Summers “cannot be trusted to advise our nation’s politicians, policymakers and institutions – or teach a generation of students”.
The emails, released by the House oversight committee, show Summers and Epstein sharing personal views on politics and relationships. In one exchange, Summers sought Epstein’s advice on when to respond to a woman. Epstein replied: “she’s already beginning to sound needy :) nice.”
Summers is now the subject of a new investigation ordered by US President Donald Trump, who instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to examine several Democrats and institutions linked to Epstein. Summers reiterated his regret to the Harvard Crimson, calling his association with Epstein “a major error of judgement”.
