Question
What happened to Alex Acosta after he resigned as US Secretary of Labor?
Answer
Alex Acosta resigned as US Secretary of Labor on July 19, 2019, 13 days after Epstein’s arrest, amid bipartisan criticism over his role in negotiating the 2008 non-prosecution agreement.
Resignation circumstances: Acosta held a press conference before resigning, defending the NPA as having achieved something versus nothing, claiming Epstein had been recommended for prosecution as a state matter and federal intervention achieved the federal registration and plea. Critics pointed out that the sealed NPA, immunity grants, and light sentence were extraordinary and unwarranted.
Post-resignation career: Acosta joined the law firm Latham & Watkins in Washington, DC, as a partner in their regulatory practice. Latham & Watkins is one of the largest law firms in the United States.
OPR review: The Department of Justice Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and Inspector General launched a review of the 2008 NPA conduct. In 2020, the DOJ IG released a report concluding that federal prosecutors, including Acosta’s office, had violated the Crime Victims’ Rights Act (CVRA) by failing to notify victims of the NPA before it was signed. However, the report did not recommend criminal referrals for Acosta or other prosecutors, citing the statute of limitations and other factors.
Senate Judiciary investigation: In late 2020, the Senate Judiciary Committee released a report concluding the NPA was “a product of personal relationships, professional connections, and prosecutorial discretion run amok.” It was harshly critical of Acosta’s handling but did not result in formal charges.
No criminal accountability: As of 2025, Acosta has not faced any criminal charges related to his NPA negotiation and continues to practice law.
Sources
DOJ IG report (November 2020); Senate Judiciary Committee report (November 2020); Latham & Watkins firm announcements; media coverage of resignation.