Former Harvard University President and ex-US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has announced his decision to withdraw from public engagements following the release of his emails with convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement obtained by CBS News, Summers expressed deep remorse, stating, “I am profoundly ashamed of my actions and acknowledge the pain they have caused. I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to maintain communication with Mr. Epstein.” The emails, disclosed by Congress last week, reveal that Summers corresponded with Epstein until the day before Epstein’s 2019 arrest for sex trafficking minors. The scandal has intensified political tensions, with the US Justice Department launching an investigation into Epstein’s ties to former President Bill Clinton and other prominent Democrats. This decision followed pressure from former President Donald Trump, who also called for investigations into Summers, LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, and banks JP Morgan and Chase. Trump emphasized on social media, “Epstein was a Democrat, and he is the Democrat’s problem, not the Republican’s problem!” Clinton has vehemently denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. Summers, who served under both Clinton and former President Barack Obama, is currently a professor at Harvard. In his statement, Summers expressed his intention to “rebuild trust and repair relationships with those closest to me” while continuing his teaching duties. The Center for American Progress, where Summers was a senior fellow, has severed ties with him. The released emails also highlight Epstein’s attempts to connect Summers with influential global figures, including a proposed meeting with the UN president. Summers’ representative previously stated that he deeply regrets maintaining contact with Epstein after his 2008 conviction for soliciting an underage prostitute. The emails, which mention Trump over 1,600 times, have further implicated numerous high-profile individuals in the ongoing scandal.
Ex-Harvard president Larry Summers steps back from public role after Epstein email release
