In a startling revelation, it has been reported that Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender, had a series of meetings with former Harvard University president Lawrence Summers, even after his 2008 arrest. Epstein, who was arrested for soliciting and procuring a minor for prostitution, reportedly met with Summers more than a dozen times between 2013 and 2016.
Epstein's connections with high-profile individuals like Bill Gates and Elon Musk have been well-documented. However, the extent of his relationship with Summers, who served as Harvard's president from 2001 to 2006, is only now coming to light. Epstein's philanthropic ties to Harvard, facilitated through Summers, are particularly noteworthy.
According to a report by The Nation, Summers reached out to Epstein in April 2014 for advice on "small-scale philanthropy." The aim was to assist his wife, Elisa New, a Harvard English professor, in her fundraising efforts. Summers reportedly wrote to Epstein, "My life will be better if I raise $1m for Lisa. Mostly it will go to make a PBS series and for teacher training. Ideas?"
Epstein's response was to donate $110,000 to New's nonprofit organization. This donation, however, would later become a source of regret for New, who, following Epstein's second arrest in 2019, made a donation exceeding that amount to an organization working against sex trafficking.
The relationship between Epstein and Summers reportedly dates back to 1998. Summers, who was then serving as U.S. deputy treasury secretary, first flew on Epstein's infamous "Lolita Express" in September of that year. Epstein's flight logs, which have been scrutinized in the past, show Summers' name appearing multiple times.
Epstein's connection to Harvard, facilitated through Summers, was not limited to these flights. Epstein donated millions of dollars to the Ivy League university, both during and after Summers' tenure as president. Former Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz once commented on their relationship, stating that Epstein had "a special connection" with Summers and admired his economic thinking.
The Nation's report also revealed a photograph taken in May 2011 at Epstein's townhouse. The photo features Epstein, Summers, Bill Gates, and JPMorgan Chase executive James "Jes" Staley, further highlighting Epstein's connections with influential figures.
Epstein's life came to a tragic end on August 10, 2019, when he hanged himself inside his cell at Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City. He was awaiting trial for new sex trafficking charges at the time of his death. His ties to Harvard and other high-profile individuals continue to be a subject of scrutiny and controversy.