Alexander Acosta is resigning as Labor Secretary following criticism of his handling of a plea deal with wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein, who is accused of sexually abusing dozens of underage girls. President Donald Trump announced the news with Acosta by his side at the White House as Trump was leaving for a trip to the Midwest. Acosta was the U.S. attorney in Miami when he handled a 2008 non prosecution agreement with Epstein. Epstein served 13 months in jail and avoided federal charges in the case.
Federal prosecutors recently filed similar charges against Epstein in New York that had put Acosta's role in the 2008 deal under renewed scrutiny.
Acosta says stepping aside was the right decision.
