Lawrence H. Summers will step down from his academic and faculty positions at Harvard University at the end of the academic year, following renewed scrutiny over his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. A Harvard spokesperson confirmed that Summers will remain on leave until his retirement takes effect and that the university has accepted his resignation as co-director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government.
The decision comes after the latest Justice Department release of more than 3 million pages of Epstein-related records included emails and documents detailing interactions between Summers and Epstein, including correspondence from 2018—years after Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea to soliciting prostitution from a minor. One email released in the files showed Epstein writing to Summers, “im a pretty good wing man , no?”
Fallout From Newly Released Epstein Files
The Justice Department’s recent document release has triggered global repercussions across politics, academia, business, and entertainment. While inclusion in the files does not by itself indicate wrongdoing, the newly disclosed materials have prompted renewed scrutiny of past associations with Epstein. In some instances, the documents suggest relationships that continued longer or were more extensive than previously known.
Summers had already faced criticism in November after a House committee made public earlier emails between him and Epstein. At that time, he said he was “deeply ashamed” of maintaining communication with Epstein and acknowledged that his actions caused pain. He stated he took full responsibility for what he described as a misguided decision to continue the relationship.
No Allegations of Criminal Wrongdoing Against Summers
Despite the controversy, Summers has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing related to Epstein. He previously served as U.S. Treasury Secretary under President Bill Clinton and later as an economic adviser to President Barack Obama. In a statement following news of his resignation, Summers expressed gratitude for his decades at Harvard, saying he remained thankful for the opportunity to teach and work with students and colleagues over nearly 50 years.
