WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former Harvard President and U.S. Treasury Secretary Lawrence H. Summers announced Monday that he will step back from all public commitments while continuing to teach, saying he is “deeply ashamed” of his past communications with Jeffrey Epstein. The decision follows the release of more than 20,000 files from Epstein’s estate by the House Oversight Committee, including months of correspondence between Summers and Epstein from late 2018 to July 2019.
The messages show Summers sought Epstein’s advice about a woman identified in documents as “peril,” forwarded her emails, discussed a paper request, traveled on Epstein’s plane, held repeated meetings, and talked fundraising connected to his wife Elisa New. The correspondence predated the Miami Herald’s reporting that later revealed allegations from 80 girls and women against Epstein — publicity that ultimately led to new federal scrutiny.
Summers told The Harvard Crimson he aims to “rebuild trust and repair relationships,” adding he takes “full responsibility” for continuing to engage with Epstein. The fallout has prompted institutional responses. Sen. Elizabeth Warren called on Harvard to cut ties, the Center for American Progress confirmed Summers ended his fellowship, and he canceled a scheduled WBUR CitySpace event.
The controversy comes as the U.S. House prepares to vote on releasing additional federal investigative files. Trump ordered the Justice Department to review ties between Epstein and several prominent Democrats, including Summers.
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