Larry Summers, the former president of Harvard University, will resign from his teaching position at the end of the academic year. A spokesperson confirmed this decision, linking it to the university’s ongoing review of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, which were recently released by the government. Jason Newton, a representative from Harvard, stated that Summers has also 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 held since 2011. He will remain on leave until the academic year concludes.
The Harvard Crimson, the university’s student newspaper, first reported this development. Summers, a prominent economist and former U.S. Treasury Secretary, announced in November 2025 that he would cease teaching while the university conducted its investigation into the Epstein documents. In a statement shared with the media, Summers described his decision as “difficult,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity to teach and collaborate with thousands of students and colleagues since he arrived at Harvard as a graduate student 50 years ago.
Summers noted, “Free of formal responsibility, as President Emeritus and a retired professor, I look forward in time to engaging in research, analysis, and commentary on a range of global economic issues.”
The release of emails by the U.S. House Oversight Committee in 2025 has reignited scrutiny regarding Summers’ relationship with Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges related to sex trafficking of minors. Many of the emails suggest a friendship that extended into 2019, with contact ceasing shortly before Epstein’s arrest in July of that year.
One email exchange raises eyebrows, as Summers appears to seek Epstein’s advice on pursuing a romantic relationship with a woman he describes as a mentee. In a 2018 message, Epstein referred to himself as Summers’ “wingman.”
This resignation marks a significant moment in Summers’ long career, which has included influential roles in academia and government. His departure from Harvard adds to the ongoing discussions regarding the university’s ties to Epstein and the implications for its leadership and faculty.
