Trendpills
Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has resigned from the board of directors at OpenAI and is stepping back from other public commitments following intense scrutiny over his communications with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The resignation comes after newly unearthed emails revealed a collegial relationship between the two men that continued after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. In one widely circulated email, Summers praised Epstein as a “very good man” and shared what he described as a confidential insight gained during a meeting with a central banker, adding, “do not repeat this insight.” This correspondence sparked a significant public outcry and led to renewed pressure on institutions associated with Summers.
In a statement, Summers acknowledged his poor judgment in maintaining contact with Epstein. “I deeply regret my contacts with Jeffrey Epstein, which I should not have had after his conviction,” he said. The pressure campaign was notably led by groups like the Revolving Door Project, which called on OpenAI, Harvard University, and other organizations to sever ties with the prominent economist. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confirmed Summers' departure, stating that the board had accepted his resignation and thanking him for his contributions.
Summers’ decision to step down from the high-profile AI company is part of a broader withdrawal from public life. He is also taking a leave from his roles at Harvard University, where he previously served as president, and will pause his regular contributions to media outlets. The fallout from the Epstein association has prompted a reckoning for many powerful figures, forcing organizations to re-evaluate their affiliations. Summers’ departure from OpenAI underscores the persistent reputational damage linked to any association with Epstein, even years after his death. The controversy highlights the ongoing process of accountability for those who were in Epstein's orbit.
