Harvard Reopens Epstein Inquiry, Confronting Ties and Institutional Legacy

Harvard University has reopened its investigation into Larry Summers over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of emails that reveal an extensive and troubling relationship between the two. The probe, announced by a university spokesperson, will also examine connections of Summers' wife, Elisa New, and other Harvard affiliates named in the recently disclosed documents according to reports. Summers, who previously served as U.S. Treasury Secretary under President Bill Clinton, has stepped back from public engagements and resigned from the board of OpenAI.

The renewed scrutiny centers on emails showing Summers maintained a close relationship with Epstein long after the financier's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. In one message, Epstein referred to himself as Summers' "wing man" in matters of personal life, while Summers sought advice on navigating a romantic relationship with a mentee. Summers described the association as a "major error in judgment" and expressed "deep shame" in a statement, emphasizing his commitment to continuing his teaching duties at Harvard. During a recent class, he told students, "It's very important to fulfill my teaching obligations," as captured in video recordings shared by students according to reports.

The emails, released by the House Oversight Committee, also reveal Summers' wife, Elisa New, soliciting financial support from Epstein for her poetry initiatives, including a request for $500,000 to fund a PBS series.

Harvard's earlier 2020 investigation found Epstein had visited campus over 40 times post-conviction, using an office provided by a professor later barred from advising students. The university has since cut ties with Epstein, but the new probe seeks to determine whether additional actions are warranted.

Summers' affiliations with other institutions have also come under fire. The Center for American Progress (CAP), Bloomberg, the New York Times, and multiple think tanks have terminated or suspended his roles. CAP, which had enlisted Summers to lead economic policy efforts for its internally dubbed "Project 2029," stated it is reviewing the disclosures to decide next steps. Critics, including watchdog groups, have condemned his continued influence in policy circles despite the revelations.

The controversy has broader implications for Harvard's reputation and Summers' legacy. His resignation from OpenAI and other roles follows similar exits from Bloomberg and the Times. OpenAI acknowledged his departure, stating it respected his decision. Meanwhile, Harvard's current administration faces pressure to address its historical ties to Epstein, who donated $9 million to the university between 1998 and 2008 before his death in 2019.

As the investigation unfolds, Summers' comments in class and his public apologies will likely remain focal points. His balancing act between accountability and professional obligations reflects the complex fallout from the Epstein scandal, which continues to reverberate across academia, politics, and the tech world.