Updated Nov 19, 2025 - Business

Larry Summers resigns from OpenAI board amid Epstein revelations

Ben Berkowitz

Larry Summers, in a pale blue shirt with an open color. — Former Harvard president Larry Summers. Photo: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Former Treasury secretary and Harvard president Larry Summers has resigned from the OpenAI board, he and the company told Axios in separate statements Wednesday, amid new revelations about the depths of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

The big picture: The Epstein fallout continues to balloon, now coming for Summers, once one of the nation's pre-eminent economists.

What they're saying: "In line with my announcement to step away from my public commitments, I have also decided to resign from the board of OpenAI," Summers said in a statement to Axios. "I am grateful for the opportunity to have served, excited about the potential of the company and look forward to following their progress."

The company's board said in a statement to Axios: "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."

Driving the news: In recent days, a House panel released years of email exchanges between Epstein and Summers.

Among them was one in which Summers appeared to be seeking advice on a relationship with a woman.
The revelations prompted both Republicans and Democrats to demand organizations call on businesses and institutions to cut ties with Summers.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with additional details throughout.

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Larry Summers resigns from OpenAI board amid Epstein revelations

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