Who Is Larry Summers’ Wife? All About Elisa New

Larry Summers, a former Harvard president, has recently been in the spotlight due to his controversial connections with the late Jeffrey Epstein. The release of emails between Summers and Epstein has revealed a complex relationship that includes financial requests made by Summers on behalf of his wife, Elisa New, who is known for her work in the field of poetry. This revelation has raised questions and concerns about the extent of their association and its implications.

Elisa New, a Harvard professor, met Larry Summers through a colleague at the university. Despite their differences in personality, with New describing herself as an introvert compared to Summers’ extroverted nature, the couple found common ground in their shared passion for their work. Summers recently announced his decision to step back from public commitments following the release of emails showing his interactions with Epstein, including seeking financial support for a poetry foundation led by New.

Born in Philadelphia in 1958 and raised in Maryland, Elisa New comes from a background of creativity and academia. Her mother was a party planner, while her father, a physicist and computer scientist, instilled in her a love for learning. New’s educational journey took her to Brandeis University, where she received her bachelor’s degree, and Columbia University, where she pursued her master’s and Ph.D. in English. She credits her time at Brandeis under the mentorship of poetry Professor Allen Grossman for shaping her path as a poet and academic.

As a professor and poet, Elisa New has made significant contributions to the field of American literature and poetry. She has held various prestigious positions, including director of the Center for Public Humanities at Arizona State University and the Powell M. Cabot Professor of American Literature, Emerita at Harvard. New is also known for her work on PBS’ Poetry in America, a television series dedicated to making poetry accessible to a wide audience. Additionally, she has published several books showcasing her literary talents and scholarly insights.

The relationship between Larry Summers and Elisa New began when they were introduced by mutual friends at Harvard in 2001. Both had recently gone through separations from their previous partners and found common ground in their shared experiences as parents. After getting engaged in 2005, Summers and New tied the knot in a ceremony that was attended by friends, family, and colleagues. Their relationship has faced scrutiny in light of Summers’ interactions with Epstein, particularly his efforts to secure funding for New’s poetry foundation from the disgraced financier.

The controversy surrounding Summers’ association with Epstein has sparked outrage and raised ethical concerns within academic circles. The revelation that Summers sought financial support from Epstein for his wife’s projects has led to calls for accountability and transparency. In response to the backlash, Summers has announced his decision to step back from public engagements while continuing his academic responsibilities at Harvard. The incident has highlighted the complexities of personal and professional relationships in the academic world and the need for integrity and ethical standards in such interactions.

As the details of Larry Summers and Elisa New’s relationship continue to unfold, the public remains divided on the implications of their connections with Epstein. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the boundaries of personal and professional conduct, especially in high-profile academic settings. The fallout from this controversy is likely to have lasting consequences for all parties involved and underscores the importance of maintaining ethical standards and transparency in all facets of public life.