🔗 Share this article Harvard ex-president Summers Steps Down from OpenAI Board The economist declared he would retreat from public positions after Congressional panel released his frequent communications with Jeffrey Epstein Ex-Treasury chief Larry Summers is departing from the directorate at OpenAI, just a week after a collection of digital correspondence between him and late convicted sex offender the accused trafficker became public. Summers stated in a statement that he was "thankful for the privilege to have participated, optimistic about the prospects of the company, and anticipate tracking their progress". The former Harvard president, who previously presided over the Ivy League institution, declared on earlier this week that he would be stepping back from public commitments due to his association with the convicted sex offender. Digital Correspondence The newly public messages demonstrated that Summers corresponded with Jeffrey Epstein until the 24 hours preceding his 2019 apprehension for alleged trafficking of minors. In additional comments, the artificial intelligence company said it understood his choice to step down. "We value his many contributions and the viewpoint he offered to the directors," OpenAI commented. Legislative Background This news comes after the two houses of the legislative branch decided on this week to approve a legislation that would require the Department of Justice to disclose its records on the case. The measure will then head to the desk of the White House for endorsement. The President has said he intends to approve the legislation, after changing his view on the issue following pushback from his supporters. Message Details A group of Epstein-related correspondence disclosed by the House Oversight Committee last week referenced several high-profile figures in the Epstein's previous network, without indicating any criminal activity by those individuals. The emails revealed that Summers and Jeffrey Epstein dined together frequently, with Epstein often attempting to connect Summers to prominent global figures. Personal Response After the emails were shared with the wider community, Summers stated he assumed "full responsibility for my misguided choice to persist in corresponding with the financier". He further stated that he desired "to reestablish confidence and repair connections with the people most important to me". Professional History The professor occupied senior posts under two Democratic presidents; functioning as Treasury chief under President Clinton, and as leader of the White House economic team under Barack Obama. He presided over Harvard from 2001 to 2006 and remains a faculty member there. When stating his step-down from public duties recently on this week, he said he would persist with his teaching commitments. Further Repercussions Following his statement on Monday, the Washington think tank, a liberal policy institute in DC where he was a researcher, announced that the economist was no longer associated with the institution. Summers joined the directorate of the technology firm, which creates ChatGPT, in 2023 - following a unsuccessful effort to replace its chief executive the company leader.