Ex‑US Treasury Chief Larry Summers Resigns from OpenAI Board After Epstein Email Revelations
Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has resigned from the board of OpenAI, following the public release of emails that exposed his private correspondence with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Summers, who joined OpenAI’s board in November 2023, confirmed in a statement that he’s stepping down in line with his earlier decision to “step away from public commitments.”
He expressed gratitude for his time at the company, saying he remains “excited about the potential” of its work.
OpenAI issued a brief statement acknowledging his resignation, noting:
“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.”
The resignation follows scrutiny over newly released emails in which Summers maintained a friendly and long-term correspondence with Epstein, even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
In some of the messages, Summers reportedly sought personal advice on extramarital relationships.
In the wake of the fallout, Summers said he is “deeply ashamed” and takes “full responsibility” for continuing to communicate with Epstein.
He added that he will continue his academic work but will reduce his involvement in high-profile public roles in order to “rebuild trust and repair relationships” with those close to him.
OpenAI’s board change comes at a sensitive moment for the company as it works to balance its ethical mission with rapid growth in the AI sector.