Larry Summers Steps Back from Public Roles Amid Epstein Email Revelations

Former U.S. Treasury Secretary and Harvard University President Larry Summers has announced his decision to step back from public commitments after the release of emails detailing his interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

In a statement, Summers expressed deep remorse: "I am deeply ashamed of my actions and recognize the pain they have caused. I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein."

The emails, made public by the House Oversight Committee, reveal that Summers maintained contact with Epstein from 2013 until just before Epstein's 2019 arrest.

Summers, who served as Treasury Secretary under President Bill Clinton and as Director of the National Economic Council under President Barack Obama, stated his intention to focus on rebuilding trust and repairing personal relationships. "While continuing to fulfill my teaching obligations, I will be stepping back from public commitments as one part of my ... ," he said.

The Center for American Progress, where Summers was a senior fellow, has confirmed that he is no longer affiliated with the organization.

These developments coincide with increased political scrutiny, as President Donald Trump has ordered the Justice Department to investigate Epstein's connections with prominent Democrats, including Summers.

Summers has previously acknowledged that his association with Epstein was a significant error in judgment.