Larry Summers to Step Down from Harvard Following Epstein Documents Review
The former president of Harvard University, Larry Summers, has announced his resignation from all teaching and administrative positions at the institution. This decision comes directly in connection with Harvard's ongoing examination of recently released government documents concerning the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Formal Resignation and Administrative Changes
A Harvard spokesperson, Jason Newton, confirmed to media outlets that Summers will formally resign from his teaching duties at the conclusion of the current academic year. Additionally, Summers has stepped down from his role as co-director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at the Harvard Kennedy School, a position he has maintained since 2011.
Summers will remain on administrative leave until his official departure at the academic year's end. The initial report of this development came from the Harvard Crimson, the university's student newspaper, before official confirmation was provided.
Background and Previous Announcement
The renowned economist and former United States Treasury Secretary had previously announced in November 2025 that he would suspend his teaching responsibilities while Harvard conducted its internal investigation. In a statement addressing his departure, Summers described the decision as "difficult" while expressing gratitude for his five decades of association with the university.
"I will always be grateful to the thousands of students and colleagues I have been privileged to teach and work with since coming to Harvard as a graduate student 50 years ago," Summers stated. He added that as President Emeritus and retired professor, he looks forward to eventually engaging in research and commentary on global economic matters.
Epstein Connection and Email Revelations
The resignation follows renewed scrutiny of Summers' relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges involving minors. Documents released by the U.S. House Oversight Committee in 2025 revealed extensive email correspondence between Summers and Epstein that continued well into 2019, ending only shortly before Epstein's arrest in July of that year.
The released communications indicate a personal friendship between the two men, with Epstein referring to himself as Summers' "wingman" in one 2018 message. Other emails show Summers apparently seeking Epstein's advice regarding a romantic relationship with a woman he described as a mentee.
University Review and Ongoing Implications
Harvard's review of Epstein-related documents continues, with the university examining the nature and extent of connections between Epstein and various university affiliates. Summers' resignation represents the most significant personnel change resulting from this ongoing examination at one of America's most prestigious educational institutions.
The development underscores the continuing repercussions of the Epstein scandal within academic and professional circles, particularly regarding associations that persisted despite growing awareness of Epstein's criminal activities.
