Podcast Summary: What A Day – “Jeffrey Epstein Funded Harvard Women's Athletics”

Date: May 12, 2026
Host: Jane Coaston
Guest: Pablo Torre (Host, Pablo Torre Finds Out)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the latest revelations about Jeffrey Epstein’s donations to Harvard University, especially the shock that his money directly funded Harvard women’s athletics. Jane Coaston and journalist Pablo Torre—whose investigation, in collaboration with the Harvard Crimson, cracked open yet more hidden facts—confront how Harvard concealed the extent of Epstein’s influence, the donations’ real impact, and the deep ethical stains left on the institution. The discussion also indicts Harvard’s efforts at transparency, explores larger questions around elite institutions’ accountability, and examines the complicity and silence of university leaders.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Hidden Story: Epstein’s “Donation” to Women’s Athletics

Initial Context: The 2020 Harvard report about Epstein was supposed to be a “full review” of his ties, but much was left out ([01:58]).
Crucial Discovery: Pablo Torre uncovered the “Jeffrey E. Epstein Fund for Women’s Athletics” at Harvard—never previously disclosed ([02:31]).
- Pablo Torre: “We found the Jeffrey E. Epstein Fund for Women's athletics, which on letterhead really does have the impact.” ([02:31])
- The women’s rugby team had unknowingly benefited from Epstein-backed funds, presented to them by then-president Larry Summers.
Secrecy & Complicity:
- Summers told players to “keep this fund from the university...quiet.”
- Harvard retained and systematically invited Epstein to events and sent updates about how his money was being used—long after his 2008 conviction ([05:42]).
- “We also saw that they actually sent him invitations and updates every year till 2018, keeping him in the loop on what his money at Harvard was doing.” ([05:42])

2. Power, Patronage, and Elite Institutions

Epstein didn’t attend Harvard, but craved association. He was welcomed by people in positions of power (Summers, Henry Rosovsky, Prof. Martin Novak) ([06:27]).
Pablo Torre: “...Epstein was catering to an image of what it means to be elite. He was surrounding himself with these young female assistants...He had a key to the building...He decorated the office. He brought his—again, these women.” ([07:51])
- Notably, Larry Summers honeymooned on Epstein’s private island with his wife, Harvard professor Lisa New, who later solicited funds from Epstein herself.
- Harvard’s massive endowment—order-of-magnitude larger than most—undercuts the notion they “needed” Epstein’s money. It was about connections and image, not need ([06:27]).

3. Harvard’s Accountability and Culture of Evasion

The official Harvard stance was that all ties to Epstein ended in 2008.
The reality: Epstein was kept in communication and his donations fully recognized until 2018, a full decade later ([05:42]).
When pressed for comment about these revelations, Harvard declined repeatedly ([09:43]).
Pablo Torre: “The no comments I thought said a lot. There were just no good answers to, ‘You knew about this.’...They wanted the money. They were, and are, ever desperate to get more of it, even as they shatter every record for, again, endowment largess.” ([09:43])

4. Systemic Issues in Elite Institutions

The episode broaches the larger issue: Why do powerful places repeatedly shield themselves and their insiders from consequences?
- “We really haven't seen any people or institutions in the US face consequences for their personal or professional relationships with Epstein, including Harvard.” ([08:50])
Harvard’s motto is “Veritas”—truth—but the school evaded true transparency.
- Pablo Torre: “In terms of a betrayal of what that premise even is, this is about as serious a challenge to their own sincerity as an academic institution as anything.” ([11:52])
The Solution Sought:
- A true “truth and reconciliation” reckoning; Torre calls for full disclosure—no more piecemeal or carefully-managed releases.
- The internal fundraising system had the entire record available—“You could just search Epstein and all of it was there. Everything I published, all of it was there for them to see.” ([11:46])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Pablo Torre on Epstein's Giving:
- “The Jeffrey E. Epstein fund for his athletics was a Larry Summers joint. The rugby players, the female rugby players, had no idea Jeffrey E. Epstein was the guy backing this.” ([03:38])
On Harvard’s behavioral pattern:
- “They may piecemeal release things, but in that strategy of being piecemeal, they are going to of course decide what to not disclose. And I think the answer must be: we want everything.” ([10:55])
- “The motto of the school is Veritas. And I'm not somebody who is so naive as to think, well, truth must be, of course, always at the forefront of Harvard's thinking. I am more cynical than that.” ([11:47])
Larry Summers’ relationship:
- “Larry Summers honeymooned on Epstein Island. He gets married and he takes his wife, fellow Harvard professor Lisa New. They go and do a stopover on Epstein island for their honeymoon.” ([07:51])

Timestamps for Key Segments

Main Segment: Harvard and Epstein ([00:19]–[13:02])
- [01:58] – Introduction to Harvard’s self-report and the recent revelations.
- [02:31] – The discovery of the “Jeffrey E. Epstein Fund for Women’s Athletics.”
- [03:38] – Larry Summers’ involvement and efforts to keep donations secret.
- [05:42] – Harvard’s ongoing communications with Epstein post-conviction.
- [07:51] – Epstein's methods of ingratiating himself into Harvard culture.
- [09:43] – Harvard’s continued reliance on and silence about Epstein's money.
- [11:46] – The case for total transparency; Harvard’s failure to uphold “Veritas.”
Broader Context: Accountability and Transparency ([08:50]–[13:07])
Conclusion of Interview ([13:02]–[13:07])
- Jane: “Thank you so much for taking the time to join me.”
- Pablo: “Jane, I love talking to you about sports, so anytime.”

Tone & Language

The conversation is frank, slightly irreverent, and sharp in its critique of elite institutional behavior and hypocrisy.
Jane and Pablo employ humor and skepticism, especially around Harvard’s “Veritas” motto and the cartoonish superficiality of Epstein’s self-presentation.

Why This Episode Matters

This episode exposes not just the details of one university's relationship with a notorious figure, but asks harder questions about what our most trusted institutions are willing to hide for the sake of money and prestige. The story, originally uncovered thanks to the dogged work of student journalists, is a call for deeper accountability in American culture—and a warning that without it, history repeats itself behind closed doors.

Podcast Summary: What A Day – “Jeffrey Epstein Funded Harvard Women's Athletics”

Date: May 12, 2026
Host: Jane Coaston
Guest: Pablo Torre (Host, Pablo Torre Finds Out)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Hidden Story: Epstein’s “Donation” to Women’s Athletics

Initial Context: The 2020 Harvard report about Epstein was supposed to be a “full review” of his ties, but much was left out ([01:58]).
Crucial Discovery: Pablo Torre uncovered the “Jeffrey E. Epstein Fund for Women’s Athletics” at Harvard—never previously disclosed ([02:31]).
- Pablo Torre: “We found the Jeffrey E. Epstein Fund for Women's athletics, which on letterhead really does have the impact.” ([02:31])
- The women’s rugby team had unknowingly benefited from Epstein-backed funds, presented to them by then-president Larry Summers.
Secrecy & Complicity:
- Summers told players to “keep this fund from the university...quiet.”
- Harvard retained and systematically invited Epstein to events and sent updates about how his money was being used—long after his 2008 conviction ([05:42]).
- “We also saw that they actually sent him invitations and updates every year till 2018, keeping him in the loop on what his money at Harvard was doing.” ([05:42])

2. Power, Patronage, and Elite Institutions

Epstein didn’t attend Harvard, but craved association. He was welcomed by people in positions of power (Summers, Henry Rosovsky, Prof. Martin Novak) ([06:27]).
Pablo Torre: “...Epstein was catering to an image of what it means to be elite. He was surrounding himself with these young female assistants...He had a key to the building...He decorated the office. He brought his—again, these women.” ([07:51])
- Notably, Larry Summers honeymooned on Epstein’s private island with his wife, Harvard professor Lisa New, who later solicited funds from Epstein herself.
- Harvard’s massive endowment—order-of-magnitude larger than most—undercuts the notion they “needed” Epstein’s money. It was about connections and image, not need ([06:27]).

3. Harvard’s Accountability and Culture of Evasion

The official Harvard stance was that all ties to Epstein ended in 2008.
The reality: Epstein was kept in communication and his donations fully recognized until 2018, a full decade later ([05:42]).
When pressed for comment about these revelations, Harvard declined repeatedly ([09:43]).
Pablo Torre: “The no comments I thought said a lot. There were just no good answers to, ‘You knew about this.’...They wanted the money. They were, and are, ever desperate to get more of it, even as they shatter every record for, again, endowment largess.” ([09:43])

4. Systemic Issues in Elite Institutions

The episode broaches the larger issue: Why do powerful places repeatedly shield themselves and their insiders from consequences?
- “We really haven't seen any people or institutions in the US face consequences for their personal or professional relationships with Epstein, including Harvard.” ([08:50])
Harvard’s motto is “Veritas”—truth—but the school evaded true transparency.
- Pablo Torre: “In terms of a betrayal of what that premise even is, this is about as serious a challenge to their own sincerity as an academic institution as anything.” ([11:52])
The Solution Sought:
- A true “truth and reconciliation” reckoning; Torre calls for full disclosure—no more piecemeal or carefully-managed releases.
- The internal fundraising system had the entire record available—“You could just search Epstein and all of it was there. Everything I published, all of it was there for them to see.” ([11:46])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Pablo Torre on Epstein's Giving:
- “The Jeffrey E. Epstein fund for his athletics was a Larry Summers joint. The rugby players, the female rugby players, had no idea Jeffrey E. Epstein was the guy backing this.” ([03:38])
On Harvard’s behavioral pattern:
- “They may piecemeal release things, but in that strategy of being piecemeal, they are going to of course decide what to not disclose. And I think the answer must be: we want everything.” ([10:55])
- “The motto of the school is Veritas. And I'm not somebody who is so naive as to think, well, truth must be, of course, always at the forefront of Harvard's thinking. I am more cynical than that.” ([11:47])
Larry Summers’ relationship:
- “Larry Summers honeymooned on Epstein Island. He gets married and he takes his wife, fellow Harvard professor Lisa New. They go and do a stopover on Epstein island for their honeymoon.” ([07:51])

Timestamps for Key Segments

Main Segment: Harvard and Epstein ([00:19]–[13:02])
- [01:58] – Introduction to Harvard’s self-report and the recent revelations.
- [02:31] – The discovery of the “Jeffrey E. Epstein Fund for Women’s Athletics.”
- [03:38] – Larry Summers’ involvement and efforts to keep donations secret.
- [05:42] – Harvard’s ongoing communications with Epstein post-conviction.
- [07:51] – Epstein's methods of ingratiating himself into Harvard culture.
- [09:43] – Harvard’s continued reliance on and silence about Epstein's money.
- [11:46] – The case for total transparency; Harvard’s failure to uphold “Veritas.”
Broader Context: Accountability and Transparency ([08:50]–[13:07])
Conclusion of Interview ([13:02]–[13:07])
- Jane: “Thank you so much for taking the time to join me.”
- Pablo: “Jane, I love talking to you about sports, so anytime.”

Tone & Language

The conversation is frank, slightly irreverent, and sharp in its critique of elite institutional behavior and hypocrisy.
Jane and Pablo employ humor and skepticism, especially around Harvard’s “Veritas” motto and the cartoonish superficiality of Epstein’s self-presentation.

wavePod

Jeffrey Epstein Funded Harvard Women's Athletics

Summary

Podcast Summary: What A Day – “Jeffrey Epstein Funded Harvard Women's Athletics”

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Hidden Story: Epstein’s “Donation” to Women’s Athletics

2. Power, Patronage, and Elite Institutions

3. Harvard’s Accountability and Culture of Evasion

4. Systemic Issues in Elite Institutions

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone & Language

Why This Episode Matters

Transcript

Summary

Podcast Summary: What A Day – “Jeffrey Epstein Funded Harvard Women's Athletics”

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Hidden Story: Epstein’s “Donation” to Women’s Athletics

2. Power, Patronage, and Elite Institutions

3. Harvard’s Accountability and Culture of Evasion

4. Systemic Issues in Elite Institutions

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone & Language

Why This Episode Matters