Alexander Acosta

President Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House on June 21, 2018. Just over a year later, he's had turnover in the departments of Justice, Interior, Homeland Security, Defense, Labor, and a number of lower agencies.

Trump's 'Acting' Cabinet Grows With Acosta Departure

Arnie Seipel

The Labor Department will be led by the third current acting cabinet secretary when Alex Acosta steps down on July 19. About a dozen major agencies are without permanent, Senate-confirmed leadership.

Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta testifies during a House Appropriations Committee hearing on April 3.

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Alexander Acosta Steps Down As Labor Secretary Amid Epstein Controversy

Ayesha Rascoe

The departure follows scrutiny over his role in a plea deal as a U.S. attorney in 2008. The agreement eased punishment for multimillionaire Jeffrey Epstein for alleged sex crimes.

Labor Secretary Alex Acosta on Wednesday defended a 2008 plea deal made with Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier accused of yearslong sex trafficking of minors. The deal was made when Acosta was a U.S. attorney in Florida.

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Labor Secretary Alex Acosta Defends His Handling Of Jeffrey Epstein Plea Deal

Laurel Wamsley

Acosta is under scrutiny for the 2008 deal he oversaw when he was a U.S. attorney in Florida, now that prosecutors in New York have brought a new case in which Epstein could face 45 years in prison.

Alexander Acosta testifies last month at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. The Senate confirmed Acosta as labor secretary on Thursday.

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Acosta Confirmed As Labor Secretary, First Latino Member Of Trump Cabinet

Mark Katkov

In a bipartisan vote of 60-38, the Senate confirmed President Trump's second choice for labor secretary. Trump's first nominee, Andrew Puzder, withdrew when it became clear he would not be confirmed.