Summers Cites 'Deep Shame' Over Epstein Correspondence
Larry Summers, a prominent economist who previously served as U.S. Treasury Secretary and President of Harvard University, announced on Monday, November 17, 2025, that he is stepping back from his public commitments. The decision follows the recent release of emails detailing his ongoing communication with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Summers stated, '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, part of a trove of 20,000 documents from Epstein's estate released last week by the House Oversight Committee, show correspondence between Summers and Epstein spanning from at least 2017 to March 2019. This period was well after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution in Florida, and just months before his arrest on federal sex trafficking charges in July 2019.
Details of the Revealed Communications
The newly public messages indicate a regular exchange between Summers and Epstein on various topics, including politics, personal matters, and even advice on romantic relationships. In one notable exchange from November 2018, Epstein referred to himself as Summers' 'wing man' while offering counsel on a romantic pursuit. Summers had reportedly sought Epstein's guidance regarding a relationship with a woman he described as a mentee.
Other emails revealed discussions where Summers appeared to joke about women's intelligence and the consequences for men who 'hit on' women. In a March 2019 exchange, the pair bantered about a woman Summers knew in London, with Epstein offering advice.
Impact on Public Engagements and Institutional Ties
While Summers confirmed he would continue his teaching obligations at Harvard University, where he holds a professorship, he has begun to sever ties with several other organizations. He has resigned from his position as a distinguished senior fellow at the Center for American Progress (CAP).
Additionally, Summers has withdrawn from his roles with the Yale Budget Lab, the Peterson Institute for International Economics, the Hamilton Project at the Brookings Institution, and the Center for Global Development. The New York Times also announced it would part ways with Summers, who was a contributing writer, at the end of the year.
The revelations have drawn criticism, with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) publicly calling for Harvard University to sever its ties with Summers. Despite the extensive communications, there has been no evidence of illegal conduct on Summers' part.
5 Comments
KittyKat
His work is important; hopefully, this is a path to redemption.
Loubianka
There's no evidence of illegal conduct, which is important, but the ethical implications of seeking advice from and joking with a convicted sex offender are deeply troubling and reflect poorly on his character.
Katchuka
Harvard needs to fire him immediately. No excuses.
BuggaBoom
Another powerful man enabling a monster. Disgraceful.
Leonardo
Summers has made significant contributions in his career, yet his association with Epstein, especially regarding discussions about women, raises serious questions about his moral compass that his apology doesn't fully resolve.