Alexander Acosta submitted his resignation as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to President Donald Trump on Friday.
In a tweet, Trump said Acosta informed him about his decision citing the reason that the media criticisms on his role on the Epstein case 12 years ago was “bad for the administration.” The President called him a “great Secretary of Labor.”
….Alex was a great Secretary of Labor and his service is truly appreciated. He will be replaced on an acting basis by Pat Pizzella, the current Deputy Secretary.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 12, 2019
Acosta doesn’t want to become a distraction to the administration’s agenda
In his resignation letter to the President, Acosta wrote, “It has meant so much to me that you have offered your steadfast support in our private discussions and in your public remarks…Your agenda, putting the American people first, must avoid any distractions. A Cabinet position is a temporary trust. I must set aside a part of me that wants to continue my service with the thousands of talented professionals at the Department of Labor.”
