Larry Summers, a former Treasury secretary and Harvard University president, announced on Monday that he will withdraw from public commitments following the release of emails revealing his correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement, Summers expressed deep remorse, saying, "I am deeply ashamed of my actions and recognize the pain they have caused. I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein." The House Oversight Committee recently published over 20,000 emails from Epstein’s estate, which included extensive exchanges between Summers and Epstein. The most recent email was sent the day before Epstein's arrest in 2019. Summers stated that while he will continue his teaching responsibilities, he aims to rebuild trust and repair relationships with those close to him. The emails indicate a close relationship between Summers and Epstein, including discussions about personal matters. In one March 2019 exchange, they talked about a woman Summers was interested in. Epstein was awaiting trial on federal charges at the time of his death by suicide in 2019. Summers has not been accused of any wrongdoing related to Epstein's crimes. His announcement follows President Donald Trump's directive to the Justice Department to investigate Epstein's connections with prominent Democrats, including Summers and former President Bill Clinton. A spokesperson for Clinton stated that the emails demonstrate Clinton's innocence, calling the situation a distraction from other issues. The released emails also mention Trump. In one, Epstein claimed Trump "knew about the girls," but did not accuse him of any wrongdoing. Trump has denied any allegations against him. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the emails prove Trump did nothing wrong. Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., criticized Summers, calling for institutions associated with him to sever ties. She stated, "For decades, Larry Summers has demonstrated his attraction to serving the wealthy and well-connected, but his willingness to cozy up to a convicted sex offender demonstrates monumentally bad judgment." Warren added that Summers cannot be trusted to advise politicians or teach students. Epstein was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges in July 2019, following a previous arrest in 2006 for soliciting prostitution. He pleaded guilty to state charges in 2008, after which a non-prosecution agreement was negotiated, shielding him from federal charges. Summers, who served as Harvard's president from 2001 to 2006, is currently a tenured professor at the university and holds positions at OpenAI and the Center for American Progress. A spokesperson for the Center for American Progress confirmed that Summers' decision to step back includes ending his fellowship there. Harvard has not yet commented on whether Summers' status at the university will change following his announcement. The House is expected to pass a bill that would require the release of the Justice Department's files on Epstein. Trump has indicated he would support the measure if it passes through both the House and Senate.