Larry Summers leaves Harvard job over Epstein ties

The former Treasury secretary and Harvard president faced criticism over his relationship with the convicted sex offender.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Larry Summers, the former Treasury secretary and Harvard president, has stepped down from his teaching position at Harvard University amid ongoing scrutiny over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Summers had faced criticism for his association with Epstein, who had been a frequent visitor to the university and had donated money to various Harvard initiatives.

Why it matters

Summers' departure highlights the continued fallout from the Epstein scandal and the pressure on institutions and individuals to sever ties with those connected to the disgraced financier. It also raises questions about the judgment and ethics of those in positions of power who associated with Epstein despite his criminal history.

The details

Summers, who served as Treasury secretary under President Clinton and as president of Harvard from 2001 to 2006, had been a professor at the university since leaving the presidency. However, his continued presence at Harvard drew criticism from faculty and students who felt the university should distance itself from anyone linked to Epstein. Summers acknowledged the controversy in his resignation letter, stating that he did not want to be a 'distraction' for the university.

  • Summers stepped down from his Harvard teaching position in February 2026.

The players

Larry Summers

A former U.S. Treasury secretary and president of Harvard University who has faced criticism over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who had been a frequent visitor to Harvard University and had donated money to various initiatives at the school.

Harvard University

The prestigious university where Summers had been a professor since leaving the presidency in 2006.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to have associations with Harvard that are inappropriate and harmful to the university's reputation.”

— Harvard faculty member (Harvard Crimson)

The takeaway

Summers' departure from Harvard underscores the ongoing scrutiny and consequences faced by those with ties to Jeffrey Epstein, highlighting the importance of institutions and leaders upholding high ethical standards and distancing themselves from individuals involved in sexual misconduct scandals.