Trump Labor Secretary Alex Acosta Resigns Amid Pressure From Jeffrey Epstein Sex Traffic Case

(CNBC) Kevin Breuninger Valerie Block July 12 2019 Labor Secretary Alex Acosta said Friday he will resign amid controversy over the way he handled a sex crimes case against wealthy businessman Jeffrey Epstein a decade ago when he was U.S. attorney for southern Florida. Acosta made the announcement to reporters while standing next to President Donald Trump outside the White House. Trump said Acosta had called him Friday morning and that it was Acostas decision to quit. This was him not me because Im with him" Trump said in a lengthy exchange with the press before departing the White House en route to events in Wisconsin and Ohio. I said You dont have to do this. Acosta told reporters that he did not want his involvement in Epsteins controversy to overshadow the administrations accomplishments. Acosta said he will officially resign a week after his announcement. Deputy Labor Secretary Patrick Pizzella will take his place in an acting capacity Trump said. In his resignation letter to Trump Acosta said It has meant so much to me that you have offered your steadfast support in our private discussions and in your public remarks." But your agenda putting the American people first must avoid any distractions" Acosta wrote.