Harvard Economist Larry Summers to Resign Amid Epstein Scandal

Summers will leave his tenured position at the end of the 2025-26 academic year with the title of president emeritus.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Economist Larry Summers will resign from his tenured job as a professor at Harvard University at the end of the 2025-26 academic year, following heightened scrutiny of his ties with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Harvard launched an investigation in November 2025 into whether Summers and other faculty had inappropriate interactions with Epstein. Despite calls from students to revoke Summers' tenure, he will depart with the honorary title of president emeritus.

Why it matters

The revelations about Summers' apparent chumminess with Epstein have reignited concerns about the gender bias and abuse of power that has long plagued the field of economics. Summers' soft landing at Harvard signals that powerful men can outlast misconduct with their honorifics intact, undermining accountability.

The details

The House of Representatives released damning messages between Summers and Epstein in November 2025, documenting how Summers repeatedly sought Epstein's advice while pursuing an intimate relationship with a woman he was mentoring. Summers was close enough to Epstein that in 2014, the sex offender named the economist as a backup executor for his estate. Despite the scandal, Harvard took no decisive action to discipline or sanction Summers beyond launching an investigation.

  • In November 2025, Harvard launched an investigation into Summers' interactions with Epstein.
  • On Nov. 19, 2025, Summers went on leave from teaching at Harvard and stepped down from several high-profile boards.
  • On Feb. 25, 2026, Harvard announced that Summers will resign at the end of the 2025-26 academic year.

The players

Larry Summers

A former U.S. treasury secretary who previously served as Harvard's president and is a prominent economist.

Jeffrey Epstein

A late convicted sex offender who had close ties to many academics, including Summers.

Harvard University

The prestigious university where Summers held a tenured position as a professor.

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What they’re saying

“'Free of formal responsibility, as President Emeritus and a retired professor, I look forward in time to engaging in research, analysis, and commentary on a range of global economic issues.'”

— Larry Summers (The Hill)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.