Lawrence Summers, former US Treasury secretary, steps away from Harvard amid Epstein fallout

“I’m deeply ashamed of my communications with Mr. Epstein,” says Lawrence Summers

Former Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers has stepped away from his teaching duties as the university investigates his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey E. Epstein.

He is also going on leave from his role as director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at the Harvard Kennedy School.

Harvard confirmed that his co-instructors will complete the remaining three sessions of his courses this semester, and he is not scheduled to teach next semester.

Summers addressed his undergraduate class in “The Political Economy of Globalization” on November 18.

In a video shared by students, he said, “Some of you will have seen my statement of regret, expressing my shame with respect to what I did in communication with Mr. Epstein … I think it’s very important to fulfill my teaching obligation. And so, with your permission, we’re going to go forward … and talk about the material in class.”

🚨WOW!! Larry Summers opened his class today by addressing the shame he feels because of what he did with Epstein

“Some of you will have seen my statement of regret, expressing my shame, with respect to what I did in communication with Mr. Epstein.”

They are all going down and… pic.twitter.com/b1AbZUl0Rt

— TONY™ (@TONYxTWO) November 19, 2025

While he initially intended to continue teaching this semester, he reversed course amid mounting pressure.

His spokesperson confirmed that he will no longer finish the semester in the classroom. Summers’ departure comes as Harvard conducts a formal review of his relationship with Epstein.

The investigation follows the release of documents showing Summers’ ongoing communications with Epstein through July 2019, a day before Epstein’s arrest on federal sex trafficking charges.

The emails reveal that Summers sought advice from Epstein on a romantic pursuit involving a woman he described as his mentee, and Epstein referred to himself as Summers’ “wing man.”

Faculty have criticized Summers’ behavior, calling it “disgusting and disgraceful” and noting that it points to serious character concerns.

Several professors highlighted that Summers continued consulting Epstein even after his 2008 conviction.

Students have also voiced strong objections. Anna J. Guerrini ’29 said, “That is not a man that should be teaching underclassmen,” citing both his past controversies and the Epstein connection. Logan G. Ashby ’26 described Summers’ apology as “thin” and inadequate to address mentorship concerns.

Summers has also stepped down from external roles, including his position on OpenAI’s board of directors, following the revelations.

Harvard’s ongoing investigation is expected to review the full scope of Summers’ communications with Epstein.

Faculty and students are closely watching, raising questions about mentorship, leadership, and the university’s broader values.