(DDM) — Larry Summers, former U.S. Treasury Secretary and prominent economist, has resigned from the OpenAI board and his instructor role at Harvard University following renewed scrutiny over his email exchanges with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
According to DDM findings, the resignations come after a House committee released additional emails last week showing years of personal correspondence between Summers and Epstein.
The documents reveal Summers making sexist comments and even seeking Epstein’s advice on romantic matters.
In a statement, Summers said, “In line with my announcement to step away from my public commitments, I have also decided to resign from the board of OpenAI.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have served, excited about the potential of the company, and look forward to following their progress.”
Summers also stepped down from the international advisory board of Santander, the Spain-headquartered bank with global operations. A spokesperson confirmed that his resignation was effective immediately.
OpenAI released a statement acknowledging his departure, saying, “Larry has decided to resign from the OpenAI Board of Directors, and we respect his decision.
We appreciate his many contributions and the perspective he brought to the Board.”
The released emails have intensified public debate about Summers’ judgment and the ethical implications of his associations with Epstein.
Critics argue that the correspondence raises questions about the influence of powerful individuals with controversial networks in academia, finance, and technology sectors.
Summers, a former president of Harvard University, has long been a prominent figure in economics and public policy.
While he has faced scrutiny over past decisions, the Epstein email revelations have added fresh pressure on his affiliations and roles in high-profile institutions.
Political analysts note that the resignations may help Summers avoid further reputational damage, but they also underscore the heightened public sensitivity to associations with Epstein, especially after the broader exposure of his network of high-profile contacts.
The controversy comes amid increasing Congressional oversight of tech and financial institutions, with committees examining the relationships of influential figures to ensure ethical governance and transparency.
Observers say Summers’ decision to step down from OpenAI may also reflect the company’s focus on maintaining its credibility in the rapidly evolving AI industry.
Leadership integrity and public perception have become critical factors for technology firms seeking broad adoption and investment.
While Summers has not indicated further plans for public service or teaching, the resignations mark a significant pause in his career amid ongoing scrutiny of his correspondence and past associations.
The case highlights broader societal discussions about accountability, influence, and ethical conduct among elites, particularly when personal relationships intersect with positions of power.
