Summers Quits OpenAI and Harvard Over Epstein Links

Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has announced his immediate resignation from the board of OpenAI and will cease teaching at Harvard University. The move comes in the wake of newly released congressional documents revealing extensive communication between the economist and the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The release of the emails, which highlight a closer relationship than previously disclosed, prompted Summers to announce on Monday that he would be “stepping back” from his public commitments.

A Sudden Exit

Summers, who joined the board of the artificial intelligence giant OpenAI in 2023, confirmed his departure in a statement. He noted that the decision aligns with his broader withdrawal from public life following the scrutiny of his past associations.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have served, excited about the potential of the company, and look forward to following its progress,” Summers stated regarding his time at OpenAI.

While Summers has publicly stated he is “ashamed” of his past communications with Epstein, he continues to deny any participation in illegal activities or wrongdoing.

Political Shockwaves and New Legislation

The resignation occurs amidst a volatile political atmosphere in Washington, where the legacy of Jeffrey Epstein continues to disrupt the status quo.

This week, President Donald Trump signed a bill into law requiring the full disclosure of government documents related to Epstein.

The move stunned many in the capital, as the President had previously resisted releasing the files. However, the legislation sailed through Congress, forcing a new level of transparency regarding the financier’s vast network of connections.

Epstein, a wealthy financier who died in jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, spent years cultivating close ties with business tycoons, politicians, academics, and celebrities. The 2019 arrest and subsequent revelations fueled global outrage and a demand for accountability regarding his network.

Targeting Political Rivals

The release of the documents has intensified the political showdown in the United States. President Trump, who was also a onetime associate of Epstein but denies any wrongdoing, has stated he intends to instruct the Justice Department to investigate political figures linked to the financier, specifically naming Summers.

This aggressive stance signals a deepening of the probe into how Epstein managed to operate within elite circles for so long without consequence.

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