Acosta’s Resignation and Replacement
Alexander Acosta resigned as U.S. Secretary of Labor on July 19, 2019 13 days after Epstein’s arrest amid intense criticism of the 2008 non-prosecution agreement he had overseen as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida.
The Resignation
President Trump expressed support for Acosta publicly but accepted his resignation. At a joint press conference, Acosta defended his handling of the 2008 plea, saying the deal “put Epstein in jail when no jail was likely.” Critics called this revisionist.
Patrick Pizzella: Acting Secretary
Patrick Pizzella, the Deputy Secretary of Labor, was immediately elevated to Acting Secretary of Labor following Acosta’s departure. Pizzella served in this capacity from July 2019 until the Senate confirmed a permanent replacement.
Eugene Scalia: Permanent Replacement
President Trump nominated Eugene Scalia (son of late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia) to be Labor Secretary. Scalia was confirmed by the Senate on September 26, 2019 and served as Secretary of Labor until January 2021.
Acosta’s Position Today
After his resignation, Acosta largely withdrew from public life. He was not charged with any crimes related to the 2008 plea deal. Legal opinions differ on whether prosecutors enjoy immunity from prosecution for such decisions.