Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has officially cut ties with both OpenAI and Harvard University. This abrupt departure follows the release of congressional records that unveiled extensive personal correspondence between the economist and the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Consequently, Larry Summers resigns effective immediately as scrutiny mounts regarding his past associations.
The newly released emails suggest a significantly closer relationship than previously admitted. In response, Summers announced on Monday that he is stepping back from his public professional commitments to address the fallout.
A Swift Departure from Public Life
Summers, a key figure on the OpenAI board since 2023, confirmed his exit through a public statement. He indicated that leaving these roles aligns with his decision to withdraw from the public eye. regarding his tenure at the AI giant, Summers remarked:
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have served, excited about the potential of the company, and look forward to following its progress.”
Despite the resignation, Summers remains firm on his legal standing. He has publicly stated he is “ashamed” of the communications. However, he continues to deny involvement in any illegal activities associated with Epstein.
Trump Signs Disclosure Bill
This high-profile exit occurs during a chaotic week in Washington. The legacy of Jeffrey Epstein is once again upending the political landscape. Key developments include:
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New Legislation: President Donald Trump signed a bill into law this week requiring full transparency of government documents regarding Epstein.
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Congressional Push: The bill sailed through Congress, overriding previous resistance from the White House regarding the release of the files.
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Public Outcry: The mandate aims to expose the financier’s vast network of connections among the global elite.
Epstein, who died in jail awaiting trial for sex trafficking, cultivated deep ties with academics, politicians, and business tycoons. The 2019 revelations continue to fuel demands for accountability.
Political Rivals Targeted
The release of these documents has intensified political friction in the United States. President Trump, a onetime associate of Epstein who denies wrongdoing, is leveraging the situation.
He has explicitly named Summers as a target. Furthermore, Trump stated his intention to instruct the Justice Department to investigate political figures linked to the disgraced financier. This aggressive move signals a deepening probe into how Epstein operated within elite circles for decades without consequence.
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