By Mona Austin
Labor Sec. Alex Acosta has resigned after push back over his connection to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal 12 years ago. Acosta had been scrutinized for his handling of the sweetheart plea deals related to Epstein's sexual assault charges recently.
Speaking to the press on the South lawn before Trump departed to Milwaukee Friday morning, both men said Acosta walked away voluntarily. "I think he did a very good job yesterday," referring to a press conference Acosta had to address the accusation that he was too lenient on the sentencing of the sex offender. Critics say the nearly hour-long press conference fell short because Acosta justified his "hard decisions" as an attorney in Florida at the time instead of apologizing in any way.
The president praised Acosta: "He has been a fantastic Sec. of Labor," speaking in front of the press with Acosta standing next to him on the South Lawn. Acosta said he told Trump this morning he wanted to resign because the media is taking attention away from the progress the labor department has made, a point Trump often tauts as an big accomplishment under his leadershi9p.
" l have seen coverage of this case that is over 12 years old, as I look forward I do not think it is right and fair for this administration to have Epstein as the focus. . .It would be selfish for me to stay in this administration and this be the focus," said Acosta.
There hasn't been Trump said you don't have to do this, I said you don't have to do this, nodding his head." This resignation follows a pattern of Trump praising those in his inner circle and their leaving after controversy erupts over a scandal. Acosta is the 13th cabinet member to be terminated or resign during the two years Trump has been in office.
However, CNN is reporting that behind the scenes Trump was bothered by the victims not being notified about the plea deals and was concerned more questions would keep coming up over this, which could affect his bid for re-election.
Acosta's resignation is effective one week from today.
New on this, Trump said he kicked Epstein out of his Mar-a-largo Club in Florida.