Ex-Treasury Secretary Larry Summers Resigns from Harvard Over Epstein Files

Summers is the latest high-profile individual to lose his job in connection with his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers announced he is resigning from his professorship at Harvard University, the latest high-profile individual to lose his job in connection with his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Summers announced in a statement that he will resign from teaching at the end of the academic year, citing his desire to engage in research, analysis and commentary on global economic issues.

Why it matters

Summers' resignation comes after documents released by the House Oversight Committee showed he had extensive correspondence with Epstein, even after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008. This has led to increased scrutiny of Summers' relationship with Epstein and raised questions about the broader fallout from the Epstein files.

The details

Summers is not accused of any wrongdoing, but the files showed he corresponded with Epstein until July 5, 2019, one day before Epstein was arrested and charged with sex trafficking minors. Summers has also resigned from the OpenAI board of directors and The New York Times announced it did not intend to renew his contract as a contributing writer. He was also banned from the American Economic Association in December.

  • Summers announced his resignation on February 26, 2026.
  • Summers' correspondence with Epstein occurred until July 5, 2019, one day before Epstein was arrested.
  • Epstein died by apparent suicide on August 10, 2019, in a Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial.

The players

Larry Summers

Former Treasury Secretary under President Bill Clinton and former director of the National Economic Council under President Barack Obama.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who died by apparent suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Harvard University

The Ivy League institution where Summers was a professor.

House Oversight Committee

The congressional committee that released documents showing Summers' extensive correspondence with Epstein.

Jeremy Weinstein

Dean of the Harvard Kennedy School who accepted Summers' resignation.

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What they’re saying

“I will always be grateful to the thousands of students and colleagues I have been privileged to teach and work with since coming to Harvard as a graduate student 50 years ago.”

— Larry Summers (CNN, CNBC News, The New York Times)

What’s next

The Harvard University investigation into Summers' relationship with Epstein is ongoing, and it remains to be seen if any further actions will be taken.

The takeaway

Summers' resignation highlights the continued fallout from the Epstein files, as high-profile individuals continue to face consequences for their associations with the convicted sex offender. This case underscores the importance of accountability and transparency, especially at prestigious institutions like Harvard.