Larry Summers, Bill Gates: Fallout from Epstein files is widening

Larry Summers joined the growing list of political and business leaders hurt by their links to accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

WASHINGTON – Larry Summers, a former Treasury secretary who announced Feb. 25 he would resign from Harvard University, became the latest in a series of high-profile men who have lost reputations, jobs and in some cases come under criminal investigation after the release of documents about accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

The list of names continues to grow from the Justice Department's release of 3 million pages of documents from the criminal investigation of Epstein. The records include pictures and emails featuring celebrities, political and business leaders who socialized with Epstein, sparking questions about who might be investigated or charged next.

Others under the microscope include Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince of the United Kingdom. He lost his title and was arrested Feb. 19 on suspicion of "misconduct in public office," which British lawmakers and media following the case say is tied to allegations of sharing confidential documents with the late financier while he was Britain’s trade envoy.

Peter Mandelson, formerly Britain’s ambassador to the United States, was fired from the most prestigious job in the diplomatic service in September. Mandelson was arrested Feb. 23 on suspicion of misconduct in public office tied to allegations of passing confidential documents to Epstein.

Bill Gates, the Microsoft founder, discussed the Epstein records Feb. 24 during a Gates Foundation town hall. "In the townhall, Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail, and took responsibility for his actions," the foundation said.