Larry Summers, former US Treasury Secretary and Harvard University president, has announced he is stepping back from public roles following the release of correspondence with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The emails, released by the House of Representatives, show Summers had multiple interactions with Epstein over the years.

In a statement, Summers acknowledged the emails raise important questions and said he would be taking a leave of absence from his current public commitments to reflect on his past associations with Epstein. The correspondence has sparked controversy and criticism, as Epstein was convicted of sex trafficking minors and died by suicide while awaiting trial in 2019.

Summers, who served as Treasury Secretary under President Bill Clinton and as director of the National Economic Council under President Barack Obama, has faced backlash for his connections to Epstein. He has also faced calls for his resignation from various academic institutions.

As the scandal continues to unfold, Summers' decision to step back from the public eye highlights the ongoing scrutiny surrounding his relationship with Epstein.