📰 Larry Summers Steps Down from OpenAI Board Amid Epstein Email Fallout

 Washington, D.C. — November 19, 2025 Economist and former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has officially resigned from the board of OpenAI, the artificial intelligence firm behind ChatGPT, following the public release of emails revealing years of correspondence with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.


Summers announced his decision shortly after the House Oversight Committee published a tranche of emails showing frequent communication between him and Epstein, including exchanges up to the eve of Epstein’s 2019 arrest. The emails suggest that Epstein regularly sought to connect Summers with influential global figures, though no criminal wrongdoing has been attributed to Summers.

🔍 Summers Cites Need to Step Back from Public Commitments

In a statement, Summers expressed appreciation for his time at OpenAI and said he was “excited about the company’s future.” He also acknowledged the controversy, stating: “I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein.” Summers added that he intends to rebuild trust and focus on personal relationships.

OpenAI responded by thanking Summers for his contributions and respecting his decision to step down.

🏛️ Congressional Action and Broader Implications

The resignation comes as both chambers of Congress passed a bipartisan measure requiring the US Department of Justice to release all files related to Epstein. President Donald Trump has indicated he will sign the bill, reversing his earlier stance after public pressure.

The released emails have reignited scrutiny of Epstein’s network, which included several high-profile individuals. While Summers was among those mentioned, the documents did not allege any legal violations.

🎓 Academic and Political Background

Summers previously served under Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, holding roles as Treasury Secretary and Director of the National Economic Council. He also led Harvard University from 2001 to 2006 and continues to teach there.

Following his announcement, the Center for American Progress confirmed that Summers is no longer affiliated with the organization, where he had been a senior fellow.

Summers joined OpenAI’s board in 2023, shortly after a failed internal effort to remove CEO Sam Altman.

Location: Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

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