Larry Summers, the creator of ChatGPT, has resigned from OpenAI following the disclosure of his communication with the late convicted child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Summers’ departure was prompted by the revelation of his ongoing friendly association with Epstein even after the latter’s 2008 conviction. The OpenAI board acknowledged Summers’ decision to step down, recognizing his contributions and unique insights.
The announcement of Summers’ resignation came shortly after he expressed his intention to reduce his public commitments. In a statement relayed by his spokesperson Kelly Friendly, Summers stated, “In line with my decision to step back from public engagements, I have chosen to resign from the OpenAI board.” Summers, who became a member of the OpenAI board in November 2023, played a pivotal role in stabilizing the organization and reinstating CEO Sam Altman after the previous board ousted him.
In a message to CBS, Summers expressed deep remorse for his actions and acknowledged the harm they had caused. Prior to his involvement with OpenAI, Summers had served as the treasury secretary under former President Bill Clinton and as the president of Harvard University. Epstein, a deceased convicted sex offender, was infamous for his connections to affluent and influential individuals, fueling speculations and controversies surrounding the American elite.
A political standoff ensued between the White House and Republicans over the release of the Epstein Files, with President Trump eventually reversing his stance due to internal dissent within his party and the anticipated passage of the bill for the files’ disclosure.