What Happened
Larry Summers, the former U.S. Treasury Secretary and Harvard University professor, announced on Wednesday that he will resign from his tenured position at Harvard at the end of the academic year. This decision follows increasing scrutiny over his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Summers also stepped down from his role as co-director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, as confirmed by a Harvard spokesperson.
Why It Matters
Summers’ resignation comes in the wake of a review by Harvard regarding documents related to Epstein that were recently released by the government. These documents revealed a closer relationship between Summers and Epstein than previously known, including emails in which Summers sought personal advice from Epstein. Although Summers has not been accused of any wrongdoing, the revelations have raised questions about his judgment and associations.
What’s Next
As he prepares to leave Harvard, Summers has stated that he looks forward to engaging in research and commentary on global economic issues without formal responsibilities. He will remain on leave until his retirement takes effect at the end of the academic year, during which he will not take on new students or resume teaching duties.
