Key Takeaways
- Resignation Confirmed: Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has officially resigned from his position on the board of directors at OpenAI.
- Epstein Emails Fallout: The decision comes directly after thousands of documents, including Summers’ email communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, were made public.
- Public Scrutiny: Summers has faced intense criticism following the release, leading him to step back from all public commitments, though he will continue his teaching duties at Harvard.
- OpenAI’s Response: The OpenAI board acknowledged Summers’ departure, stating it respects his decision and appreciates the contributions he made during his tenure.
Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has resigned from the board of OpenAI, the company confirmed Wednesday. The move follows the recent release of emails detailing his communications with the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Summers had previously announced on Monday that he would be stepping back from all public commitments but had not clarified if this included his role at the prominent artificial intelligence firm. In a statement, he expressed gratitude for his time at the company.
“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.
OpenAI Board Accepts Resignation
The board of OpenAI issued a statement respecting Summers’ decision to step down. “We appreciate his many contributions and the perspective he brought to the Board,” the statement read.
Summers’ departure comes after the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee released over 20,000 documents obtained from Epstein’s estate. The files have placed Summers under intense public and political scrutiny.
“I am deeply ashamed of my actions and recognize the pain they have caused,” Summers said in a separate statement on Monday. “I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein.”
A Brief but Turbulent Tenure
Larry Summers joined OpenAI’s board in November 2023, a critical time for the AI startup. His appointment was part of a major board overhaul following the brief but shocking ouster of CEO Sam Altman. Summers, along with former Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor, was brought in to help stabilize the company’s leadership. Adam D’Angelo of Quora is the only remaining member from the board that initially fired Altman.
The controversy has also sparked calls for further action. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) told CNN that Harvard University, where Summers is a professor and president emeritus, should sever all ties with him. While Summers is stepping back from public life, he has stated his intention to continue fulfilling his teaching obligations at the university.
The broader scandal continues to unfold, as Congress passed a bipartisan bill this week ordering the Department of Justice to release all of its files related to its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.