Larry Summers Takes Leave from Harvard Amid Epstein Email Controversy

Thu Nov 20 2025 06:51:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has taken a leave of absence from his teaching position at Harvard University following revelations of his past communications with Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier. This decision comes as the university decides to investigate the emerging details of their friendly relationship.

Larry Summers, the former Treasury Secretary and Harvard University's president, has stepped back from his teaching duties after emails surfaced that show a friendly bond with Jeffrey Epstein, despite Epstein's history of sex crimes. This decision follows growing scrutiny over Summers' role and coincides with Harvard's renewed investigation into Epstein's involvement in the institution. Summers expressed regret over his communications with Epstein, labeling them a significant mistake, while uncertainty remains about his future at the university.

Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers abruptly went on leave from his teaching role at Harvard University amid rising pressure following the release of emails that highlighted his friendly relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. According to Summers' spokesperson, he decided to take this step to ensure that the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government can conduct its review without his involvement.

While Summers had previously stated intentions to continue teaching, he has now stepped back from his responsibilities altogether, leaving co-teachers to complete his courses for the semester. This information was first reported by The Harvard Crimson.

The emails in question reveal communications in which Summers sought advice from Epstein regarding personal matters and expressed gratitude regarding Epstein's past support for his wife's poetry project.

Notably, these interactions occurred long after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. The news has spurred further scrutiny about Epstein's connections with powerful individuals and institutions, and it has prompted Harvard to reopen investigations into Epstein's activities on campus.

Summers expressed deep regret over his past dealings with Epstein, labeling them a significant misjudgment. In light of the scrutiny, he has severed connections with several organizations, including the Center for American Progress and the Center for Global Development. The future of his teaching commitments remains uncertain.

Students recorded Summers as he addressed his class just a day before his leave, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling his academic obligations despite the controversy surrounding him.

Summers served as President of Harvard from 2001 to 2006 and was Treasury Secretary under President Bill Clinton, making his recent departure from such a prestigious role all the more notable.