“Therefore, I am offering, and wish for you to accept, my resignation as United States Secretary of Labor effective one week from today.”
Also on Friday, Acosta standing alongside Trump at the South Lawn of the White House, told reporters that he is stepping down because he doesn’t to become a distraction. He doesn’t want his previous involvement in the Epstein case to take away attention on the accomplishments of the administration.”
He said, “I did not think it was right and fair for this administration’s Labor department to have Epstein as the focus rather than the incredible economy.”
Democratic Leaders called for Acosta’s resignation
In 2007, Acosta approved a secret plea agreement with billionaire financial and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. At the time, he was the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida.
On Tuesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for his resignation. They found out about Acosta’s non-prosecution agreement with Epstein earlier this week when the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York filed criminal charges against the billionaire sex offender.
