Washington: Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers announced Monday that he will be "stepping back from public commitments" following the release of documents showing his email exchanges with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Summers, who is also president emeritus and professor at Harvard University, expressed his remorse and acknowledged the impact of his actions.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Summers stated, "I am deeply ashamed of my actions and recognize the pain they have caused." He emphasized taking full responsibility for his decision to continue communications with Epstein. Summers indicated that while he will maintain his teaching duties, he plans to withdraw from public roles as part of his effort to rebuild trust and mend relationships with those close to him.

The release of email exchanges between Epstein and Summers, dating from 2013 to 2019, prompted reactions from both Democrats and Republicans, who have called for organizations to cut ties with Summers. The House Oversight Committee played a key role in revealing these documents, which have stirred political tensions.

Last Wednesday, the committee's Democrats released Epstein-related documents involving President Donald Trump. In response, Republicans disclosed a larger set of files, accusing Democrats of selective disclosure. Some Republicans argue that Democrats are amplifying the Epstein case to divert attention from a 43-day federal government shutdown, which concluded on Wednesday night.

On Friday, President Trump instructed the U.S. Justice Department to investigate prominent Democrats associated with Epstein, including former President Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, a significant Democratic donor. U.S. media perceive this directive as an attempt to counterbalance the recently disclosed Epstein documents involving Trump.