DOJ review found poor judgment—not professional misconduct—in Acosta's Epstein resolution
Reporting and findings
- documented
In reviewing the Epstein non-prosecution agreement approved before Acosta joined Trump's Cabinet, DOJ's Office of Professional Responsibility found that Acosta exercised poor judgment in resolving the federal investigation through the agreement and in failing to ensure victim notice, but found no professional misconduct and no evidence that corruption or other impermissible considerations drove his decision.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Professional Responsibility: Investigation into the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida's Resolution of Its 2006–2008 Federal Criminal Investigation of Jeffrey EpsteinExecutive summary and conclusions concerning Acosta
- Trump White House Archives: President Donald J. Trump Nominates R. Alexander Acosta to be Secretary of LaborTrump Cabinet relationship
- Miami Herald: Report says Acosta used 'poor judgment' in Jeffrey Epstein caseIndependent review of the OPR findings, investigative origin, victim-notice record, and Acosta response
Summary and current status
The finding preserves both the critical judgment and the Office of Professional Responsibility's express limits.
OPR found poor judgment but no professional misconduct on November 12, 2020
People and organizations
- Donald J. TrumpDonald Trump root
- R. Alexander AcostaFormer Trump labor secretary reviewed for earlier prosecutorial decision
Relationships in this file
- Donald J. TrumpFormer Trump labor secretary in DOJ professional-responsibility reviewR. Alexander Acosta