The release of further documents from the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein has led to a series of resignations at the top of the American academic and political world. Larry Summers, former U.S. Treasury Secretary, announced his departure from Harvard University. Similar decisions were made by Nobel laureate Richard Axel from Columbia University and Austrian biomathematician Martin Nowak. The case is gaining momentum in light of congressional hearings involving top Democratic politicians.

Summers Leaves Harvard

Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers resigns from his teaching role after the disclosure of compromising emails exchanged with Epstein.

Nobel Laureate's Resignation at Columbia

Richard Axel steps down from his leadership position, admitting to an error in judgment regarding his relationship with the financier.

Clintons' Hearings

Congress summons Hillary and Bill Clinton to provide explanations regarding their contacts with Jeffrey Epstein.

The publication of the so-called Epstein files has caused an unprecedented shock in the structures of America's most prestigious universities, exposing the depth of relationships the deceased sex offender maintained with scientific elites. Larry Summers resigned from his teaching duties at Harvard University and from serving on the board of OpenAI after his correspondence with Epstein was revealed. Although Summers has not faced criminal charges, his correspondence with Epstein, in which he sought advice on marital matters concerning a student, was deemed to violate the university's ethical standards. Summers also resigned from leading the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government. Simultaneously, Harvard University suspended Martin Nowak, an Austrian biomathematician, after an internal investigation revealed new details about his closeness to Epstein and the significant donations he received for his research. The wave of resignations also reached Columbia University, where Nobel laureate Richard Axel stepped down as co-director of a neuroscience institute. He openly admitted that maintaining contact with Epstein was a "serious error in judgment." The scandal extends beyond university walls – Bob Kerrey, former senator, stepped down as chairman of an energy start-up. In 2019, the Epstein scandal had already led to the resignation of MIT Media Lab director Joi Ito, after it was revealed that the lab accepted anonymous donations from the financier despite his 2008 conviction.The situation also has a strong political dimension in Washington. The House Oversight Committee continues hearings, having summoned Hillary Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, to testify. The case is complicated by media reports of missing pages in court documents, which allegedly contained accusations from a minor against Donald Trump. The whole paints a picture of the systemic entanglement of American decision-makers in the network of contacts with the deceased multimillionaire. „My association with Epstein was a serious error in judgment that compromised the trust of my colleagues and students.” — Richard Axel

Perspektywy mediów: Liberal media emphasize the ethical standards of universities and the resignations of scholars, distancing themselves from direct ties to Democratic political leaders. Conservative media highlight the connections of Summers and the Clintons with Epstein, suggesting long-term protection of influential Democrats.

Mentioned People

  • Larry Summers — Former Harvard president and U.S. Treasury Secretary who resigned from his position due to ties with Epstein.
  • Martin Nowak — Austrian biomathematician at Harvard suspended from duties after verification of donations from Epstein.
  • Richard Axel — Nobel laureate who resigned from his position at Columbia University in connection with contacts with Epstein.
  • Hillary Clinton — Former U.S. Secretary of State questioned by Congress.