Larry Summers Resigns from OpenAI Board Amid Epstein Email Controversy

Former United States Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has announced his resignation from the board of OpenAI, following the release of emails revealing his communication with the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The decision comes just a week after these emails were made public, raising questions about Summers' ties to Epstein.

In his statement to the BBC, Summers expressed gratitude for his time at OpenAI, stating, "I am grateful for the opportunity to have served, excited about the potential of the company, and look forward to following their progress." His resignation marks a significant step back from public engagements, particularly in light of the controversy surrounding his association with Epstein.

The emails, which were disclosed by the House Oversight Committee, indicate that Summers had maintained contact with Epstein until the day prior to Epstein's arrest in July 2019, on charges of sex trafficking minors. While the emails mention several prominent individuals within Epstein’s social network, they do not suggest any legal wrongdoing by those mentioned.

OpenAI, the company behind the artificial intelligence platform ChatGPT, acknowledged Summers' decision, stating, "We appreciate his many contributions and the perspective he brought to the Board." This statement underscores the value that Summers brought to the organisation, even as questions about his past associations arise.

On the same day as Summers' resignation, both chambers of the United States Congress passed a measure that mandates the Department of Justice to release its files related to Epstein. The bill now awaits the signature of President Donald Trump, who has indicated his intention to sign it after previously opposing such transparency.

The emails released last week detail frequent dinners between Summers and Epstein, highlighting Epstein's efforts to introduce Summers to influential global figures. In the wake of the revelations, Summers publicly accepted responsibility for his decision to maintain communication with Epstein, stating, "I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr Epstein. I want to rebuild trust and repair relationships with the people closest to me."

Summers has held significant roles in American politics, having served as Treasury Secretary under President Bill Clinton and as Director of the National Economic Council under President Barack Obama. He was also President of Harvard University from 2001 to 2006 and remains a professor at the institution. Despite stepping back from public commitments, he confirmed he would continue with his teaching responsibilities.

Following the announcement of his resignation, the Center for American Progress, a progressive think tank where Summers was a senior fellow, stated that he is no longer affiliated with the organisation. Summers joined OpenAI's board in 2023, amidst a controversial attempt to replace its CEO, Sam Altman.