WASHINGTON, Nov 18, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Former US Treasury secretary Larry Summers said Monday he is "stepping back" from public commitments after Congress released emails showing close communication between him and deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

"I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein," Summers said in a statement to US media, adding: "While continuing to fulfill my teaching obligations, I will be stepping back from public commitments as one part of my broader effort to rebuild trust and repair relationships with the people closest to me."