Larry Summers Steps Down from OpenAI Board After Epstein Email Release

Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers announced Wednesday his resignation from the board of OpenAI, a move precipitated by the recent release of emails between him and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The announcement follows Summers’ statement on Monday that he would step back from all public commitments amidst growing scrutiny over his past association with Epstein.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have served, excited about the potential of the company, and look forward to following their progress,” Summers said in a statement to CNBC.

OpenAI acknowledged Summers’ decision, stating, “We appreciate his many contributions and the perspective he brought to the Board.”

The release of over 20,000 documents by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, obtained through a subpoena from Epstein’s estate, brought Summers’ correspondence with Epstein to light, triggering widespread criticism and calls for him to disassociate himself from the AI firm.

Summers joined OpenAI’s board in 2023, a period of significant internal upheaval that saw the brief ousting and subsequent reinstatement of CEO Sam Altman. Appointed alongside Bret Taylor, former co-CEO of Salesforce, and Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo, Summers was intended to provide stability and guidance during a critical phase of the company’s development.

His departure raises questions about the long-term impact on OpenAI’s governance and its ability to navigate the complex ethical landscape surrounding AI development. While the company has emphasized its commitment to responsible AI practices, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of careful due diligence and robust oversight in the tech industry.

Furthermore, Summers’ resignation comes at a time when OpenAI is facing increasing competition in the generative AI space. Companies like Anthropic and Google are rapidly advancing their AI models, putting pressure on OpenAI to maintain its technological edge. The board’s ability to manage this competitive landscape, while simultaneously addressing ethical concerns and navigating heightened public scrutiny, will be crucial for OpenAI’s continued success.

Adding to the complexity, President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Justice to investigate the relationships between Epstein and various prominent figures, including Summers. This development further intensifies the pressure on all parties involved and introduces a political dimension to the situation.

Harvard University, where Summers previously served as president, is also facing mounting pressure to distance itself from the former Treasury Secretary. Senator Elizabeth Warren has publicly called on the university to sever ties with Summers, highlighting the reputational risks associated with his continued affiliation.

Summers, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, stated, “I am deeply ashamed of my actions and recognize the pain they have caused. I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein.”

Congress has approved a bipartisan bill mandating the Department of Justice to release all its files on Epstein, paving the way for Trump’s signature and further transparency into the case.