Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers announces step back from public life over Epstein ties

Former Democratic Treasury Secretary Larry Summers on Monday announced that he was stepping back from public life after questionable emails between him and the late-convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were released last week. 

The House Oversight Committee released a trove of emails and documents last week between Epstein and several prominent politicians and former government employees, including Summers, who served under former President Bill Clinton.

Summers' emails with Epstein revealed the former Cabinet official sought the late-financier's advice on pursuing a woman he referred to as his mentee, and Epstein in an email referred to himself as Summers' "wing man," Politico reported.

The former secretary said that he was ashamed of his relationship and ties to Epstein. He also said he would be stepping back from public life but did not specifically comment on his position on the board of OpenAI or at Bloomberg.

“I am deeply ashamed of my actions and recognize the pain they have caused,” Summers said. “I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein. 

"While continuing to fulfill my teaching obligations, I will be stepping back from public commitments as one part of my broader effort to rebuild trust and repair relationships with the people closest to me," he added.

Summers is currently a tenured professor at Harvard University, which has not commented on his ties to Epstein so far.

The former secretary has not been accused of any wrongdoing, but acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton is expected to lead an investigation into Epstein's alleged ties to prominent Democrats. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.