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One-time economic leader Larry Summers is departing from the directorate at the artificial intelligence firm, just days after a collection of digital correspondence between him and deceased financier the accused trafficker became widely known.

Summers commented in a release that he was "thankful for the privilege to have participated, optimistic about the promise of the company, and look forward observing their progress".

Summers, who formerly presided over Harvard University, announced on Monday that he would be stepping back from public roles due to his connections with the convicted sex offender.

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The recently released messages showed that the economist communicated with Epstein until the 24 hours preceding the financier's 2019 apprehension for accused sex trafficking of young people.

In a separate statement, the AI firm stated it respected the economist's decision to resign.

"We acknowledge his numerous inputs and the insight he offered to the governing body," the company stated.

Legislative Background

This announcement follows after both chambers of the US legislature agreed on this week to approve a bill that would compel the US justice department to make public its documents on Epstein.

The measure will subsequently head to the administration of the White House for approval. The President has indicated he expects to sign the measure, after reversing his view on the matter following objections from his base.

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A batch of Epstein-connected messages made public by the House Oversight Committee last week mentioned several high-profile figures in the billionaire's previous network, without implying any legal wrongdoing by those individuals.

The communications revealed that Summers and Jeffrey Epstein dined together frequently, with he often seeking to connect Summers to notable global figures.

Individual Statement

After the correspondence were shared with the general audience, the former official stated he took "full responsibility for my ill-advised decision to persist in corresponding with the financier".

He further stated that he wanted "to reestablish confidence and fix bonds with the people nearest to me".

Previous Positions

The professor served in senior posts under two Democratic presidents; functioning as economic leader under the former president, and as director of the White House economic team under the former leader.

He led Harvard from 2001 to 2006 and is still a faculty member there. When announcing his withdrawal from public duties previously on this week, he stated he would maintain his educational duties.

Additional Consequences

Following Summers' declaration on earlier this week, the Washington think tank, a left-leaning think tank in DC where Summers was a senior fellow, verified that he was not associated with the group.

He became part of the board of OpenAI, which makes ChatGPT, in last year - following a defeated move to replace its CEO the company leader.