Larry Summers Steps Down from Harvard Positions Amid Epstein-Related Inquiry

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Larry Summers has resigned from his teaching role and his position as director of a Harvard University research center amid growing scrutiny over his interactions with Jeffrey E. Epstein, officials said Wednesday.

Harvard announced it is conducting an investigation into Summers’ communications with Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in 2019. The university did not provide specific details about the nature of the inquiry or the timeframe of the communications under review.

Summers, a former U.S. Treasury secretary and president of Harvard, had been serving as a professor and leading the university’s Institute for Applied Computational Science. His departure follows increased public and internal pressure related to his past association with Epstein.

The controversy centers on the extent and content of Summers’ interactions with Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 on charges related to sex trafficking of minors. Epstein’s connections to prominent figures across various sectors have prompted numerous investigations and resignations in recent years.

Harvard officials emphasized their commitment to a thorough review process. “We take these matters seriously and are dedicated to ensuring transparency and accountability,” a university spokesperson said.

Summers’ resignation comes amid a broader reckoning at institutions linked to Epstein, as organizations seek to distance themselves from the fallout of his criminal activities. The university has faced criticism in the past for its handling of relationships with Epstein and individuals connected to him.

Details about Summers’ future plans were not immediately available. The university did not specify whether the investigation would lead to further actions.

Summers’ career has spanned academia, government, and finance, and he has been a prominent figure in economic policy discussions. His departure marks a significant shift for Harvard’s faculty and leadership.

The university has not disclosed how long the investigation is expected to take or whether it involves cooperation with law enforcement agencies. Harvard’s review is part of a wider effort to address institutional ties to Epstein and to reinforce policies on ethical conduct.

As the inquiry proceeds, the university community and outside observers are watching closely for developments that could have broader implications for Harvard and other institutions with historical links to Epstein.

Summers’ exit underscores the ongoing impact of Epstein’s case on public figures and institutions, highlighting the challenges organizations face in addressing past associations with controversial individuals.