Influential economist Larry Summers to depart Harvard over Epstein ties

In February 2026, economist Larry Summers announced his resignation from Harvard University, effective at the end of the semester. The decision follows the release of documents revealing a close relationship between Summers and Jeffrey Epstein. Harvard initiated a review of individuals named in the Epstein files after their release in November. Summers previously resigned from OpenAI's board due to these connections. The released documents included extensive correspondence, including Summers seeking advice from Epstein. Summers has acknowledged his "misguided decision" to maintain contact with Epstein but denies any wrongdoing.

Former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers resigned from his teaching position at Harvard University due to his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The resignation from his co-director role at the Mossavar-Rahmani Centre for Business and Government was announced by Harvard Kennedy School Dean Jeremy Weinstein. Summers' extensive exchanges with Epstein were revealed in files released by the Department of Justice. He will retire from his academic and faculty appointments at the end of the academic year, remaining on leave until then. Summers had previously expressed regret over his ties to Epstein.

Larry Summers will resign from his teaching position at Harvard University at the end of the academic year, prompted by the university's review of recently released documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Summers, also stepping down as co-director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, had previously announced a leave of absence in November 2025 during the school's investigation. Emails released by the US House oversight committee revealed a friendship between Summers and Epstein that lasted until shortly before Epstein's 2019 arrest on sex-trafficking charges. The emails, dating up to 2018, discussed various topics, including politics, philanthropy, and women. Summers, a former US Treasury Secretary and White House economic advisor, expressed gratitude for his time at Harvard and plans to focus on research and commentary on global economic issues.