Acosta Resigns as Secretary of Labor
Alexander Acosta resigns as U.S. Secretary of Labor, one week after Epstein's July 6 federal arrest, amid intense scrutiny of his role in negotiating the 2008 non-prosecution agreement.
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Event Details
On July 12, 2019, Alexander Acosta announced his resignation as U.S. Secretary of Labor, citing his belief that the controversy over his 2008 Epstein non-prosecution agreement had become a distraction that would prevent him from effectively carrying out his duties.
Acosta had been confirmed as Labor Secretary under President Trump in April 2017, despite his Epstein-related history being publicly known. After Epstein’s July 6, 2019 federal arrest, the NPA came under renewed and intense scrutiny. Acosta held a press conference on July 10 attempting to defend his handling of the case, arguing that his office had been required to accept a more limited deal because it believed a state prosecution was preferable and the federal case could have collapsed.
The press conference was widely seen as unsuccessful at quelling criticism. Two days later, Acosta submitted his resignation.
His departure ended his cabinet career but did not produce any criminal or professional disciplinary proceedings. The DOJ OIG reviewed the NPA circumstances but did not make criminal referrals against Acosta or his staff.