Lawrence Summers to step down from Harvard teaching role
Financial Times
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Lawrence Summers, the renowned economist and former US Treasury Secretary, has announced his departure from his teaching role at Harvard University. This decision follows the resurfacing of controversial emails in which he exchanged correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who was later convicted of sex trafficking minors. The revelation has prompted a significant retreat from public commitments for Summers, marking another chapter in a series of challenges tied to his past associations.
Summers, a prominent figure in academia and policy-making, had been under increasing scrutiny since the details of his communications with Epstein were made public. While the emails themselves do not appear to contain any direct wrongdoing on Summers’ part, they have raised questions about his judgment and proximity to figures involved in illegal activities. This has led to widespread criticism, particularly within academic and financial circles, as questions about accountability and ethical conduct continue to grow.
The implications of this situation extend beyond Summers’ personal reputation. It highlights the ongoing scrutiny faced by professionals in business and finance due to their past associations, even if those connections were made years ago. As institutions increasingly prioritize ethical standards and transparency, individuals like Summers are being held to higher account for their past actions and relationships. This case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance
Verticals
businessfinance
Originally published on Financial Times on 2/25/2026