Former US Treasury Chief Summers Resigns from Harvard Over Epstein Ties

Summers had extensive communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, leading to his resignation.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has resigned from his teaching post at Harvard University over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Summers, who ran the US Treasury under former president Bill Clinton, was revealed in the Epstein files to have had extensive exchanges with Epstein. Harvard said Summers will retire from his academic and faculty appointments at the end of the academic year.

Why it matters

The Epstein scandal has tainted the reputations of many prominent Americans, from the Clintons to Bill Gates, who had associations with the convicted sex offender. Summers' resignation from Harvard highlights the ongoing fallout from the Epstein case and the scrutiny public figures face over their connections to him.

The details

Summers, who taught government at Harvard's Kennedy School, expressed regret to his students over his ties to Epstein. In November 2025, Summers said he was "stepping back" from public commitments after Congress released emails showing close communication between him and Epstein. Harvard said Summers' resignation was linked to the Epstein case.

  • In November 2025, Summers said he was 'stepping back' from public commitments after Congress released emails showing close communication between him and Epstein.
  • On Wednesday, Harvard announced that Summers has resigned from his teaching post at the university over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.

The players

Larry Summers

Former US Treasury Secretary who ran the US Treasury under former president Bill Clinton. He has resigned from his teaching post at Harvard University over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender whose global network of powerful politicians, business executives, academics and celebrities has been tainted by their association with him.

Bill Clinton

Former US President whose reputation has been damaged by his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Hillary Clinton

Former US Secretary of State and wife of Bill Clinton, who will testify before a congressional committee on Epstein on Thursday.

Jeremy Weinstein

Dean of the Harvard Kennedy School who has accepted Professor Lawrence H. Summers' resignation from his leadership position as co-director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government.

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What they’re saying

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

— Larry Summers (Video clip)

“I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr Epstein.”

— Larry Summers (Statement to US media)

What’s next

Bill Clinton will testify before a congressional committee on Epstein on Friday, while his wife, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, will appear on Thursday.

The takeaway

The Epstein scandal has had far-reaching consequences, with prominent figures like Larry Summers being forced to resign from their positions due to their associations with the convicted sex offender. This case highlights the ongoing scrutiny and damage to reputations that can result from connections to individuals involved in high-profile scandals.