Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has officially stepped down from his position on the board of OpenAI, marking his first major departure from a public role since acknowledging his communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Board Exit Following Public Commitment Pledge
Summers announced his resignation from the artificial intelligence company on Wednesday, just two days after declaring he would reduce his public commitments. The decision comes after last week's document dump revealed he regularly exchanged emails with Epstein.
"In line with my announcement to step away from my public commitments, I have also decided to resign from the board of OpenAI," Summers stated. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and excitement about the company's potential while indicating he would continue to follow its progress.
The OpenAI board confirmed his departure, stating members "respect his decision" and appreciated his contributions and perspective. Summers had joined the AI research and deployment company in November 2023.
Epstein Email Revelations Spark Consequences
The congressional release of thousands of pages from Epstein's estate included emails showing Summers apparently seeking romantic advice from the disgraced financier. Following these disclosures, Summers issued a statement expressing deep shame for his actions.
"I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein," Summers said earlier this week. While maintaining his teaching obligations at Harvard University, where he serves as president emeritus and professor, he committed to stepping back from public commitments.
The fallout has been immediate and significant. The New York Times announced it will not renew Summers' contract as a contributing writer for New York Times Opinion, which began in January 2025.
Multiple Investigations Launched
Harvard University, where Summers previously served as president, has opened an inquiry into the ties he and other faculty members maintained with Epstein. The investigation examines the extent of relationships between university personnel and the convicted sex offender.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has ordered U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate relationships between prominent Democrats, including Summers, and Epstein. Notably, the investigation excludes Trump himself despite his documented friendship with the financier.
Congress took action on Tuesday by approving legislation that forces the Justice Department to release the complete Epstein files. The bill now awaits President Trump's signature to become law.
Summers, who served as Treasury secretary under President Bill Clinton and as National Economic Council director under President Barack Obama, now faces intensified scrutiny regarding his past associations and communications.
