Influential economist Larry Summers to depart Harvard over Epstein ties
Al Jazeera
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Influential economist Larry Summers has announced his resignation from Harvard University following revelations of his close ties to disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The decision comes after the release of documents detailing extensive correspondence between Summers and Epstein, including an email where Summers sought advice on interacting with women. While Summers denies any wrongdoing and has not faced criminal charges, he acknowledged responsibility for maintaining contact with Epstein until July 2019. His departure marks a significant step in addressing the fallout from Epstein’s connections to powerful figures in academia, politics, and business.
Summers, a former U.S. Treasury Secretary and Harvard President, had previously resigned from his role as co-director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at the Harvard Kennedy School. The university initiated a review of his ties to Epstein following the release of documents during criminal investigations into Epstein’s activities. These disclosures also revealed that Summers was named as a successor executor in a draft of Epstein’s will from 2014, though a spokesperson for Summers denied knowledge of this detail.
The resignation underscores the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Epstein’s relationships with influential individuals. It reflects a broader effort to bring transparency to his connections and holds significant implications for Harvard’s reputation. As one of the institution’s most prominent figures, Summers’ departure highlights the impact of public revelations on high-profile professionals. This matter not only sheds light on ethical concerns but also raises questions about accountability in academia and beyond.
Ultimately, the case illustrates how allegations against powerful individuals can reverberate across institutions and professions. For readers interested in global news and politics, the situation highlights the interconnected world of powerbrokers and the potential consequences of their associations.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/25/2026