Larry Summers Announces Withdrawal from Public Commitments
Former Harvard University President Larry Summers has announced his decision to step back from public commitments. This announcement follows the release of his communications with financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Details of Email Correspondence
Emails made public by Congress last week reveal that Summers maintained communication with Epstein until the day prior to Epstein's 2019 arrest on charges of sex trafficking minors. Summers issued a statement acknowledging his actions, stating, "I am deeply ashamed of my actions and recognize the pain they have caused. I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr Epstein."
Broader Context of Epstein Investigations
This development occurs amidst the US Department of Justice's initiation of an investigation into Epstein's associations with former President Bill Clinton and other prominent Democrats. Former President Donald Trump had previously advocated for investigations into Summers, LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, and financial institutions JP Morgan and Chase, asserting Epstein was a "Democrat's problem." Clinton has consistently denied any knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities.
Summers' Professional Background
Summers served as Treasury Secretary during the Clinton administration and as Director of the National Economic Council under former President Barack Obama. He held the presidency of Harvard from 2001 to 2006 and currently holds a professorship at the institution.
Summers' Statement and Institutional Changes
In his statement, Summers conveyed his intention "to rebuild trust and repair relationships with the people closest to me." He added, "While continuing to fulfill my teaching obligations, I will be stepping back from public commitments as one part of my broader effort." Concurrently, the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank in Washington where Summers was a senior fellow, announced his disaffiliation from the center.
Content and Context of Released Emails
Emails released by the House Oversight Committee indicate frequent dinner meetings between Summers and Epstein. Records show Epstein attempting to facilitate connections for Summers with global figures, including a proposal in July 2018 for a meeting with the "president [sic] of united nations." In a separate email following Donald Trump's 2016 election, Summers advised Epstein to "spend zero effort on anything about me with Trump," citing concerns related to Trump's "approach to conflict of interest," "Putin proximity," and "mindless response" to Fidel Castro's death.
Prior Statements and Mentions of Donald Trump
A representative for Summers previously stated that Summers "deeply regrets being in contact with Epstein after his conviction" in 2008 for soliciting an underage prostitute. A review by The Wall Street Journal of the 2,324 email threads revealed over 1,600 mentions of Donald Trump. Trump, who was acquainted with Epstein for a number of years, has stated their friendship concluded in the early 2000s, preceding Epstein's initial arrest. Trump has consistently denied any involvement in wrongdoing related to Epstein. While discussed in some of the recently released messages, he was not the sender or recipient of these specific communications.
Upcoming Congressional Vote
On Tuesday, members of the House are anticipated to vote on the comprehensive release of all files pertinent to Epstein.