How many cabinet secretaries is this? Anyone counting?
2
The economy, really. What's he hiding? This is so not the story.
1
Acosta's secret thought: "Thank heavens for this controversy. I have a pretext for bailing from this dumpster fire."
2
Alex, we hardly knew you, yet we knew you too well.
...only the best people.
3
How long does it take to resign ?
Alexander Acosta seems clearly compromised in the Epstein scandal. That said, I was aghast when Trump said, " Acosta is Hispanic, he's from Harvard." As though, Hispanics and Harvard is an anomaly!
1
Resigning? Not enough...he, as an officer of the court, violated the law at the expense of victims whose rights he was sworn to uphold. Hey, ABA, what are your professional standards again?! Acosta should be disbarred so he doesn’t end up at a big time law firm making six figures. And ABA, how about AG Barr refusing to recuse himself from the Epstein case when his previous employer represented this monster?
4
"He was a great student at Harvard, and he never missed a day on his paper route when he was 11 years old."
2
Shows again the power of the media. Acosta's resignation will only embolden the NY Times, the Washington Post, and their provocateurs, the Democratic Party, to ridicule and insinuate without addressing the difficult choices we all make when playing poker with those who fall short. Mr. Acosta, one of many government employees paid about $150,000/year, and his crew was up against a billionaire who employed a $1,000/hour per person legal team and had Big Bill Clinton and his friends in control in Democrat-run Palm Beach County supporting his leniency. Mr. Acosta played his hand that was dealt and got some consequences for Mr. Epstein at a time when Palm Beach county was going to let him go. This, sadly, is not what the esteemed NY Times writes about. It's all about the game of politics for the media who, it appears, is the fourth branch of government that is NOT elected by the people.
1
One more disgrace walks out the door of this snake pit of an administration, that seems able to replace the criminal participants toute de quite - as the supply of dirty-dealing, ethics-violating, vulgarian abusers of the public trust seems endless.
2
Trump's personal attorney AG William Barr made sure Acosta was gone. His job to protect Trump from being outed by Epstein will take all his deception and manipulation. He couldn't afford the Acosta distraction/investigation as well.
That's my take on this "resignation".
107
One of the greatest Labor Secretaries in history.
1
Be careful what you wish for. Labor Secretary Acosta will be replaced by anti-labor tyrant Mr. Patrick Pizzella. Your children will not have workers rights when they grow up. The great American nightmare called “Trump” continues!
1
To R. Alexander Acosta: And good riddance. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.
To Donald Trump: I can't wait for the day when I can write that same sentence to you.
3
Acosta was an errand boy, a puppet when he orchestrated Epstein's joke of a plea deal. Who was pulling the strings? Epstein used those victims to amass power over hundreds of very wealthy and powerful men, who, when needed, were forced to help him, or else. What about this time? Should we expect a similar outcome?
2
Score one for investigative journalism! Maybe the Trump wall of impunity, determination to thwart inconvenient laws, and lack of accountability is finally beginning to crumble in the face of facts. Since his administration only functions as an acting school, no doubt the new "acting" head will manage not to do anything affirmative for labor for months or years to come.
1
You could hear, in fact, almost smell the fear and desperation in Trump’s voice and manner as he tried to rationalize and deflect this whole sordid mess today next to Acosta. He knows what is coming for him.
2
How many acting cabinet members can a “president” have?
This is just another chapter in the hefty tome of men of power operating in their guiltless vacuum where the rules can be ignored, parsed or massaged to create the outcome they favor.
The best chapter of all is the one on Bill Clinton, Eric Holder and fugitive from justice Marc Rich.
It sets the standard for shameless and ethics free "leadership."
Google "Clinton Rich pardon."
He wants to spend more time with his wife and defense attorneys.
16
I can't stand any of this anymore. But it is like an addiction. I'll just look at the paper one more time. If I watch something on the TV and they talk about Hurrican Barry I'm like I don't care about Hurricane Barry ( I should ) I want more about Epstein, the Russians, Khoshoggi, Jared Kushner, Mueller, more dirt more corruption, more sleaze, please more sleaze. What a disgusting man.
1
What do you do with co-conspirator Cyrus Vance?
In crimes like rape, how the victims feel is all that matters. The perpetrators’ denials and prosecutors’ efforts to find mitigating circumstances to belittle the crime only aggravate the victims' trauma.
I am not tarring all prosecutors with the same brush. We all know that it is the laudable work done by prosecutors in New York in rape cases involving the same criminal, Jeffrey Epstein, that brought to light R. Alexander Acosta's questionable plea deal with him in 2008. The only explanation for Acosta's action that one can think of is that Epstein at the time was known as a billionaire and celebrity, closely connected with movers and shakers in the country. Acosta might have feared that displeasing all of them would hamper his career prospects. It’s worth examining whether there was a tacit quid pro quo deal behind the unconscionable plea deal he struck with this criminal.
There is a message in this for all those who think that money and high connections will enable them to whitewash all the despicable crimes they commit in their heyday. One day the law will catch up with them.
There is a question here for President Trump, too: What kind of vetting did he do on Acosta before he appointed him Labor Secretary? Wasn't his despicable deal with the rapist brought to his attention? Or did he brush it off as no big deal? If so, it shouldn't surprise anyone. A person showing empathy for an unrepentant rapist will always be in the good books of Donald Trump.
1
This is another example of being accused, tried, and convicted by the ,media ... regardless of the situation over a decade ago that led to what 'today' would not be tolerated.
When we hold people accountable to current behavior, that is appropriate. When we hold people accountable to actions a decade or more ago, using today's mores, that is inappropriate.
It needs to be said that in making a plea deal all those years ago... mr Acosta broke the law. Consequences?
It's curious that Mr. Acosta is now being roasted for a deal struck nearly 12 years ago. Curious because the facts in the case haven't changed but as late as 8 years ago the Manhattan DA's office, led by Cyrus R. Vance brushed aside the sordid details of that very same episode and argued vigorously in court that they were insufficient to warrant Mr. Epstein being registered as a top level sex offender in New York.
Instead, as detailed in a recent NY Times article the prosecutor "asked a judge to reduce Mr. Epstein’s sex-offender status to the lowest possible classification, which would have limited the personal information available to the public, and would have kept him from being listed on a registry of sex offenders for life".
Mr. Acosta explained his motives in a briefing on South Lawn of the White House. His judgement can be debated but there is no indication that he received any benefit from his decision. Mr. Vance on the other hand has benefited nicely from using his prosecutorial discretion. Who can forget Harvey Weinstein and the $10,000 his lawyer provided to Vance's re-election campaign after his decision not to prosecute or the $55,000 Weinstein's lawyers provided prior to his decision.
Mr. Acosta has resigned because of questionable judgement yet despite serial episodes of questionable and lucrative prosecutorial decisions he has rendered, Mr. Vance remains in office. It seems rich white guys are not the only beneficiaries of our justice system.
This was a no-show brainer right out of the blocks... A real prosecutor would have made his case for the victims, not the perpetrator. That decision and the ensuing results, so amply demonstrated.. will live in infamy!
Wait- "Bad for the administration"?! The sole non-reason to resign. He's made-to-order for this administration.
""There are eight million stories in the naked city. This has been one of them." (from film and TV series).
Wouldn’t it be ironic if party unity came out of this Epstein business in that both Trump and Clinton would also be indicted and be co-defendants. Congress would have a blueprint then on how fast both parties can come together in common cause...Precious moments..
1
Weinstein held Democratic fund drives for Hillary. Epstein also courted the Democrats.This isn't about Republican or Democratic parties, but establishing a "base" that is "willing to look away" from their "activities".
I would surmise that a lot of very important people are going to get caught up in this, Including Former President Bill Clinton.
There is always a week link, remember Anthony Wiener? That will cause the whole thing to topple. Epstein will easily give up names.
(Let's not forget that Bill Barr is connected through his father.) The FBI had nothing to do with this. Only now, thank goodness, unless tRump's buddies can pay off enough witnesses, and there must be hundreds of them. They're really good at that.
Why should anyone be surprised at this situation, given that of all the titans of the financial world responsible for the 2008 economic meltdown, none have served jail time?
I agree with Theodore Leopold that this Epstein Case will be used against Trump. After all, I have no doubt that friends in high places are responsible for Acosta's gentle treatment of Epstein.
And I am sure that the Miami Herald might spend some more time finding out if Trump were more than a "visitor" at Epstein's many residences. And who were the other "high profile" visitors.
Even though Acosta stepped down, this issue is not going away before the 2020 campaign is over.
11
I commend the Secretary on his resignation.
The lawyer quoted towards the end of the story is right on the mark : -- as the election fever grips DC - there are going to be a lot of unintended victims who catch the virus.
The media and the circus that is bound to accompany this saga will constantly focus or bring up the Florida plea bargain even if they are not remotely connected.
As a matter of fact, in any of the excellent NYT reporting so far - the Feds have not even mentioned Florida in these new charges.
With the Secretary out of the way - this story will be a crimes and punishment story with no political baggage.
And as a Republican, the Secretary did the right thing to lower political fever in DC over this sorry saga.
2
I myself have never been invited to a party where the guest list consisted of me, one other guy, and 26 very young, pretty women. But then, I don’t have a plane, I don’t dub it “The Lolita Express,” I don’t brag about waltzing in on a women’s dressing room filled with girls, I don’t get on video tape bragging about grabbing any girl I want, I don’t chortle about my daughter’s sexiness, I don’t...
2
@Neil
You commend the Secretary for his resignation? He should have never been appointed, let alone confirmed.
At best, he is an enabler. At worst he’s been paid off or even worse, a willing participant.
Acosta story should not go away, and Acosta himself must be investigated for his participation.
1
It is about time the NYT started properly reporting the Espstein story. The media has been quiet, unsettlingly so, over the story.
1
I commend the Secretary on his resignation.
The lawyer quoted towards the end of the story is right on the mark : -- as the election fever grips DC - there are going to be a lot of unintended victims who catch the virus.
The media and the circus that is bound to accompany this saga will constantly focus or bring up the Florida plea bargain even if they are not remotely connected.
As a matter of fact, in any of the excellent NYT reporting so far - the Feds have not even mentioned Florida in these new charges.
With the Secretary out of the way - this story will be a crimes and punishment story with no political baggage.
And as a Republican, the Secretary did the right thing to lower political fever in DC over this sorry saga.
“A lot of unintended victims...”
I’m sure it’s not intentional, but this comment sounds quite clueless in the context of the larger story.
There are plenty of actual victims whose experience deserves attention and action.
The resignation is due to his impact on the Administration. If ther plea deal was wrong - where were these people who didn't like it at the time? Too late sorry - only someone else takes the fall for their failure to act before when it mattered? I'm not talking about the victims - I'm talking about those in Congress that weren't concerned then but are now. Those who could have made a difference to the victims - but didn't concern themselves with the victims because they weren't Trump. Shame on them.
5
1. Congress is not a police force.
2. The victims were not told about the plea deal; in fact, the details were hidden. This is against the law.
3. Yep, the Senate punted Acosta’s confirmation hearing. Except for Tim Kaine. And who nominated Acosta, please?
Prosecutors weren’t informed of the of the arrangements beforehand. They couldn’t protest what was unknown.
Can we finally get some help putting daily pressure on Palosi and McConnell.
2
Trump cabinet members are like bowling pins. The bowler seems better and better at the game!
3
Our "stable genius" POTUS has the most unstable administration in the nation's history. By choice and by whim he's eliminated those around him serving in his government . When will Republicans recognize that they've installed on of the most erratic men in history?
3
What price will Acosta pay for breaking the law when he kept the deal secret from the victims.
He has broken the law.
Aren’t there not consequences?
Will he be charged?
If not, why not?
10
His other former pal -Bill Clinton -came out with a preemptive disavowal of any current friendship with Epstein, but allegedly they travelled together in the past.
7
Bill Clinton was a nefarious philanderer. Now, he wants us to believe he was a man of moral fortitude. Please. Keeping my fingers crossed that his turn will come.
1
How many of the POTHUS' cabinet members have resigned or fired? The selection process or the selector is looking like it is flawed.
3
To quote Trump's tweet:
“He felt the constant drumbeat of press about a prosecution which took place under his watch more than 12 years ago was bad for the Administration, which he so strongly believes in, and he graciously tendered his resignation.”
There are at least six big words in there expressing coherent concepts, which proves that there is no way that Trump wrote it.
On the other hand:
"(Epstein's) a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.”
Now THAT sounds like Trump!
6
The “swamp” is, and has always been, all around us. It exists all over the world in every culture. It IS time for the swamp to be drained. But I think we should focus on some of the creatures who live in the deepest reaches.
This week Epstein surfaced and was trapped by a female reporter and her colleagues.
5
Alex Acosta is an example of everything that is wrong with the Trump presidency. Mr. Acosta, a slick attorney who has been trained on how to argue any side of an issue spun his dealing with the Epstein plea deal as if he was the victim of a system that was beyond his control. Lawyers don't choose sides because of their moral standards. They argue the side their job requires. So when challenged to explain why he allowed Epstein to get away with multiple clear cases of the most despicable of criminal acts against children, Mr. Acosta created a reality in which he was the beleaguered victim of a system stacked against charging a rich well lawyered man. He just wanted to get some jail time, any jail time for Mr. Epstein. So 13 months spent mostly in a luxury office was the best Mr. Epstein could do. And all Mr. Trump has to say is that this man who let a pedophile get away with destroying the lives of countless children is " He is a good man. I am with him. " The moral depravity takes my breath away.
7
Solid Republican leadership; true Republican justice. Next stop: Supreme Court.
Republicans: no ethics, no morals, no virtues, no values, no conscience, and above all, no shame.
4
It's like watching Ceasar's Rome. Acosta should go and perhaps much more then that for what he has done. Good riddance. But to watch another one of Trump's appointees put his head on block while praising him. It's just unbelievable.
3
I guess this is the # 1,652 of people leaving Trump's administration ..well fake news but not by much!
When will we get a bigly break from this President?
6
Alexander Acosta will now be free to be on Jeffrey Epstein's defense team full time, all the way through the appeals process. Other lawyers on Epstein's long running pedophilia defense team are Alan Dershowitz and Ken Starr. That must really look good on their resumes.
10
If I were Epstein, I would definitely hire Bill Clinton’s lawyers, though.
2
To earn favor with Trump, few do the right thing unless it involves diverting attention from Trump doing the wrong thing.
12
In Ancient Rome, those who disgraced themselves while serving an emperor would take a slightly more permanent resignation to avoid further embarrassment.
7
We have a saying in Australia "it does not pass the pub test" rough translation the people drinking in the pub would not be in favour with it. This fits that test and finally he had to do the right thing.
7
"Mr. Trump said Mr. Acosta called him this morning and that it was Mr. Acosta’s decision to resign."
While I doubt the decision to resign was totally Acosta's, there is a sense of relief that he is no longer the Secretary of Labor.
Actions have consequences. Let this "resignation" be the first of many consequences Alex Acosta faces for his poor decision in the "lenient plea deal he made with Jeffrey Epstein when he was a prosecutor in Florida."
291
@Marge Keller Acosta was the HERO
Ironically, the prosecution that had Epstein's case in Florida was HAPPY to let Epstein never serve ANY time. There's a huge story there.
Acosta was the hero here, stopping their deal and insisting that Elstein serve as much time as possible.
I can't shake the feeling this entire program of hysteria against Acosta was drummed up JUST to show him and the world that Democrats protect their own, including Jeffery Epstein.
Epstein is a HUGE factor in Democratic politics, but anyone thinking they'll see it laid out here is crazy. The NY Times and the progressive media have many Democrats to protect who benefitted from Creepy Jeffery, including Sen. Schumer.
3
@The Observer
When will the names all be named? I’m sure those who enabled Epstein, or benefitted from the “ guilty pleasures” are the high and mighty across party lines.
1
@The Observer. Your comment makes no sense. No democrat supports a pedophile. There may be Democrats that were involved (we know Clinton was) as well as many republicans. Perversions knows no party. Yes he demanded he serve some time but to be able to work in an office 6 days of week is not justice. This same person as the Secretary of Labor wanted to cut the budget for sex trafficking over 80% which seems hugely suspicious in light of this sweetheart deal. It sounds like you’re very paranoid.
2
It was appropriate for Acosta to resign. I find it unbelievable that Epstein was able to get such preferential treatment the first time around. I have a feeling the true story is just beginning to come to light.
278
Only in a world with honorable, law-abiding people with integrity in power, the truth will be forced into the light, on both sides of the aisle.
I am still hoping we have such a world.
36
You are forgetting, he was invited to Chelsea Clinton’s wedding. How much more connected can you be? His democratic friends had Epstein’s back. Just like the other Weinstein, democratic philanderer. All Democrats.
3
Resigning a cabinet post for the revelation of a scandalous past in a public position is not accountability; it's just resigning a prestigious job. Acosta's still got everything he had before he became complicit in a cowardly, shameful, and potentially criminal act. It has already been determined that he violated the law in not disclosing the terms of the sweetheart deal he made with a man who raped children.
It's also worth noting that The White House and the Senate were aware of this scandal before they confirmed him for the post. Five Democrats voted for his confirmation then later said they did so even though they lacked details of the case. That means they knew of the case but didn't care enough about children who were raped to follow up.
What if elected representatives to government worked as hard as Julie K. Brown at The Miami Herald? Maybe America could be great.
310
@Eddie Allen I agree wholeheartedly. And the other story today is about the silencing of investigative journalism in China! If it were up to Trump we would be living like the Chinese.
6
@Eddie Allen
You and others do not give enough credit to Trump calling out the news reporting for failing to give "We the People" all of the facts. Regarding Acosta, there should have been much news reporting calling this decision out at the time it happened. In CA a judge gave a lenient sentence to a sex offender, he was constantly bombarded about his decision and stepped down. It is time for "We the People" to give Trump more credit for cleaning "the swamp." He is one person. "We the People" now need to take the actions. Trump was never in politics. Blame all that is happening because we have someone who is truly transparent via his use of Twitter. God Bless him and the "We the People."
1
I have no desire to defend Acosta.
But doesn't the judge in the case have to accept a plea bargain.
Who was the judge and why did he /she accept such a flawed plea.
58
@david The problem is Acosta is legally not allowed to make a plea deal without the victims knowledge and that is exactly what he did!!!
37
Does the judge have the responsibility to see that the victims have knowledge of the plea deal BEFORE the judge accepts the plea.
21
@david There were 2 parts. There is the (FEDERAL) non-prosecution agreement (NPA) in which Acosta and his cohort were involved and was signed in late 2007. And there is the plea Epstein entered in STATE court in June 2008. Epstein was "jailed" on the STATE charges. It is not clear that a FEDERAL judge even gets to review or sign off on the terms of the NPA since Acosta and his cohort did not file any charges in FEDERAL court.
4
A large part of the reason Trump was elected was he convinced part of the electorate that, "The system is rigged." What he failed to say, is that it is rigged for him, and people like him, and that in all reality, he has no plans for changing that, or "draining the swamp," or getting "Mexico to pay for the wall."
What we see here is Acosta propagating the rigged system, and the appropriate outrage, for his hiding and minimizing of Epstein's crimes. And of course, yet again, DJT sees nothing wrong with that.
It is also reflects very poorly on the US Senate and the GOP which have failed miserably to vet the incompetent, unethical, corrupt nominees of the current administration.
137
The lack of outrage from the GOP regarding Acosta and Epstein is indication of how corrupted things actually are.
Who ordered Acosta to give Epstein his sweetheart deal?
Who are they protecting?
I believe this is the tip of the iceberg.
Lots of powerful men seemed to know exactly what Epstein was doing. I hope they are all squirming.
43
@Nancy...Epstein was indicted for crimes allegedly committed in Manhattan, right under the nose of the NYSD attorney's nose. That's Neon Blue Manhattan. If you want corruption, look under the Democratic rock. If you want rotten-to-the-core, take a bite of the Big Apple
I expect there is a great deal of witness intimidation and threat going on, in addition to the payoffs already being discovered.
6
Trump says he's willing to live with 'anything.' Whether Acosta resigned or stayed on the job. Makes no difference to Trump. The victim, according to Trump, is Acosta who's being unfairly maligned by the media and women. Everything is transactional with Trump. He believes Acosta is doing a great job with Labor, so ignore those minor issues. Trump empathizes not with the young women, but with the men.
14
I wish I could believe that Trump's supporters wouldn’t still be pro-Trump if he were impeached. I don’t, though.
7
To Mr. Trump’s supporters, impeachment would be a “witch hunt,” and a trial in the Senate would be “Presidential harassment.” Trump was right: he could shoot someone at noon in the middle of Fifth Avenue and his supporters wouldn’t abandon him.
3
That’s the shortcoming of impeachment. It’s a political statement. It tends to carry weight only with those who are so inclined (witness the Johnson & Clinton impeachments). The House of Representatives is not a court of law.
It takes a provable egregious act, or acts, to make a real difference in a fair person’s mind. That’s what happened with Nixon. When the acts became obvious, he resigned. The case never even got as far as the actual impeachment.
1
I can't believe I really just heard Mr. Acosta say what I think he did. In a dismissive manner he talks about the sex trafficking of underage girls as " a case that is 12 years old" that should not be talked about instead of an "amazing economy." Between this and his recent press conference he might really want to consider just being quiet unless he is apologizing to the young female victims whose perpetrator he was involved in giving a jail sentence that barely required Epstein actually to be in jail. I would bet that many of the victims often don't feel like their abuse is a "twelve year old case." He might even think about asking them if it feels like some 12 year old case in the past to them. I doubt that it does.
21
The purge continues. Not just against Trump and his people, but any who did something insensitive 5, 25 or even 50 years ago. And not just the living, but the dead as well. Make no mistake, this is a purge and it is coming almost entirely from the compassionate left. You could be next.
1
@ehillesum Oh, give it a break.
9
@ehillesum So what are you afraid of?
9
Acosta baby,
Where you bribed or blackmailed?
Keep ‘Merica Great!
10
A pedophile who serially rapes minors and traffics these victims to the high and mighty and has loads upon loads of discs.
Who’s got popcorn?
9
Drain the Trump swamp.
8
The screenshot photo on the front page—
I'm so tired of Trump's clumsy body-language.
Here again, the thick Mr. Trump, in his over-size suit, once again extends his pudgy hand to the side or shoulder of the individual he thinks he's escorting—be it Acosta, Kim Jong-un, some visiting foreign official, even the Queen.
[Would that he could just be kept in a straitjacket. That would also solve the "twitter-finger" problem and the reckless scribbling of executive orders, as well as the grabbing of women's genitals.]
19
This story is by no means over. Epstein's so called little black book of his friends and others who consorted with him in his demimonde just might be the catalyst to bring down the power elite. That could include the following men-Trump, Clinton, Dershowitz, Barr Senior, The Trump boys, Giuliani, Kudlow, Kushner, Mnuchin, Putin, Cohen, and some Wall Street men. And there also might be some women who were enablers like Ivanka, Melania, Judge Piro, etc. This could be way bigger than Epstein's case. And given the low life that he is, he'll rat them out to save himself.
13
“He’s a Hispanic guy that went to Harvard”. This president really sees race before anything else. Wow. Would he have said “He’s a Caucasian guy that went to Harvard”?
19
Acosta if off to a prestigious law firm in Miami after some time on Fox pumping up Trump for the economy and blasting Dems for whatever he can blast them for. Meh.
6
Just more winning by Trump and his team. I can’t imagine what losing looks like.
11
YES! Another Trump cabinet member falls in scandal and disgrace. So much for hiring only the best and the brightest. Perhaps he looks at it differently than we do. Perhaps Trump's best and brightest really means he only hires those who excel at committing and covering up criminal activity for a buck.
10
...it was the only thing to do. (Just ick.)
7
Trumpo's best friends are Epstein type friends. His hires for cabinet posts are Epstein type friends. How many of them are just like him...corrupt, sexual assaulters, friends of Putin, etc. When are we as US citizens going to admit to this and deal with it. Vote him out!
13
This was all very well known fact about Acosta, by the media, by Trump — particularly by Trump. But he hired the guy anyway. There was media uproar over the appointment, but as usual, Trump got away with it. This uproar he can’t ignore. And he can’t possibly pretend ignorance. My only question is: now what about Trump’s Evangelical base continuing to back their boy? They also knew this entire sleazy story and looked the other way. Now they can’t. Now what can these supposed Christians concoct in their heads as their high moral reason to continue ignoring the character of this WH?
14
"The right thing was to step aside." Mr. Acosta is either a slow-thinker or slow-actor who took twelve years to conclude and act. One wishes Mr. Acosta well as he spends more time with his family, who are probably old now. Mr. Acosta is right that his 2007 prosecutorial duties were approved by a court of law. Mr. Acosta is wrong if he thinks Trump, a 24/7 politician, cares about courts unless they aid Trump's 24/7 politics.
4
Trump should do the same thing. End this national disgrace. Please.
23
Even if Trump resigned I think that Democrats should continue nonstop investigations of any possible wrongdoing. This could keep them busy for 6 years and exclude getting any real work done. Or if Trump is gone, then there is no interest in continuing the many investigations? If so, why not? If the investigations stop, it proves that Trump is being harassed. Maybe that won’t go well with voters.
3
Besides stuffing Federal Judges from the list provided to Trump by the Federalist crusaders in the extreme Right, what’s Mitch McConnell doing in the Senate? He’s not considering the bills passed by the House.
7
Great job Miami Herald and Reporter Brown. I got a feeling this is just the beginning. Looks like there is a lot more to this story.
And we have yet to know who were Epstein's sex-pals. There is a vast coverup going on here. Firing Acosta is just the beginning.
I anticipate that lots of people will be scrambling to cover their past meetings, parties, travel and relationships with Epstein and Trump.
11
Epstein gave a lot of money to Schumer, did he go to Epstein’s island. Follow up on all campaign contributions.
Not too many people have realized that the building in the background of the Federal courthouse in DC is the main Labor building. Very few people have shown any interest in what goes on there. Mr. Acosta has held off the complete gutting of regulations and various programs at the Department of Labor -- and was likely in the crosshairs of some within the Administration for not being more draconian.
Acosta may not have been perfect but worse may be yet to come. Be careful what you wish for.
9
In allowing Epstein to more or less walk free, hasn't Acosta somehow abetted the sexual crimes that Epstein may have committed in the last ten years?
I hope the origins of this deal will be investigated.
8
Jeffrey Epstein contributed a lot of money to the Democrats and they may be the ones to be investigated next. They should be very afraid.
2
There are members of all parties that are in hot water. Please don’t make this a political issue. This is about child molesting and child pornography. Anyone guilty whether it be Dem, Rep, Independent or apolitical should go to jail for a long time.
13
@KMW The sewer from which all these revolting Republican men have crawled is so vast and deep investigators may never be finished exposing, prosecuting and imprisoning them. No doubt there are some criminals who are Democrats, but Republicans, from Republican President Trump on down, have the lock on loathsome, and should receive enhanced penalties for their penchant for harming children.
9
@Kathy, You are trying to connect the words 'Republican men" with the abhorrent behavior filling the news cycle. I highly suggest you look at past behaviors of Gary Hart, Bill Clinton, Anthony Weiner, Al Franklin, Not to mention a slew of Kennedy males, before you start to perform character assassination via political "identity".
This matter requires a very deep investigation. But, sadly, it will not happen -- as it is clearly evident that individuals deep within the power elite were actively complicit in abetting Epstein's serial molestation, victimization of the young and dispossessed. America is officially a brutal, heartless, violent dystopian oligarchy.
104
@John, what do we need to investigate? We know enough about what happened to know that it happened and continues to happen. The details may change, but the plot remains the same.
As far as "officially being a brutal, heartless, violent dystopian oligarchy," in a related article today, Mad Magazine was predicting this 40, 50 and 60 years ago, and George Orwell got it half a decade before that. What we are seeing is not new except on this scale. What is new is the voluntary and complete lack of accountability on the part of those responsible for saving us from the worst of ourselves, mostly Republicans and, yes, a small number of Democrats. It is time to either take serious action or accept the defeat of America at the hands of the enemy within. Defeat is not something I'm willing to accept.
1
@CP...A small number of Democrats? Oh, yeah. Epstein ran his sex-trafficking business from his mansion on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Of course, all those moralistic Democrats in his neighborhood were not aware of, and certainly would not have participated in or condoned, his predation.
It is getting harder to make out the edges of a new stain on this blot of an administration.
5
Thank you, Michelle Brown! An American hero.
7
So just a few DAYS of straightforward reporting and he resigns? After all the dirty revelations that Trump and his usual, disgraced appointees usually endure and dismiss? Looks like there must be more to come—if this rush to the exit is hoping to end media coverage, eh?
15
Would like to see a, yet new, diagram of people who have left this administration, maybe, again, beside the rate of people who left previous administrations.
8
I wonder if the train of easy-going treatment, Federal, Florida, NYC, and private lawyers don't indicate who shared girls with Mr. Epstein and could be encouraged to see things his way.
11
This sweetheart deal for Epstein came up during Acosta's confirmation hearings but was ignored as Trump couldn't see why it would be a problem down the road IF the public found out about it.
19
Trump has always hired three types of people. Firstly, he hires good people he thinks will make him look smarter. These people last in their jobs only as long as it takes them to express an opinion different from Trump’s. Secondly, he hires like-minded people who will agree with his opinions and support his view that he is smart and knows what he is doing. These people keep their jobs until he tires of them or someone he likes better comes along. Thirdly, he hires people he owes with the hopes they will keep quiet. These people last in their jobs until the dangers of keeping them close outweigh the advantages. I will leave it up to you to figure out which group Acosta falls into. Hint: I strongly doubt it is Group One.
123
@Concerned How about hiring his family? That is the final category I would say, and they keep their jobs forever, because they seem to think alike, because let's face it...variance from what they have been schooled to think takes intelligence, and they are not intelligent.
8
And so another one bites the dust
This one felled by pornographic lust
Of a client of his
From the trafficking biz
Whose plea deal caused such widespread disgust
21
One can only hope that his dreams are nightmares inhabited by the victims of Epstein that would have been spared if Acosta had just refused whatever compensation he received for allowing that monster to go free...
11
No one is buying this story. Acosta is being fired because Trump and the dirty gang of pediphiles around him got caught! Notice how nice Trump is to Acosta. He was a "good guy, the best", etc. What is the coverup going on here?
32
when wil the repubs say enough is enough? its endless and disgusting. impeach if only to allow us to talk about something else.
16
Anyone who has had contact with the "cash register justice" system in Florida has seen how it routinely convicts the poor without trial, the impotent public defenders who have, by design, five minutes to meet each defendant for the first time before entering a guilty plea, and the jails and probation systems which by design squeeze every penny out of already poor families, leaving them deeper in poverty. We who work with the poor see the torrent of broken families, fatherless children, and ruined lives spewed out by the "justice" system which only makes our society less safe. If our goal is a recidivism rate of 100% I don't see how we could come closer to achieving it.
24
Once again the mantra applies and always has in Florida - money talks and the poor do the perp walk. Hence, Epstein and Book. Florida's notorious creation of crime, where there was no intent, in the form of their stings. How is that possible? They hover over many chat sites. Sites that are clearly designated ’18 years of age or older’ where they groom individuals. Many are seeking someone to relate to, talk to after a divorce, etc. not seeking underage children or teens. The task forces start a conversation and the details of the entire ‘event’ are NEVER revealed. Why? Per these people it diminishes their work but in reality it would divulge their grooming process. They begin a conversation and OVER TIME the conversation gets sexual. When they have the person, usually young guys, on the hook (bait & switch) they lower the age. A task force member bragged that she talked with a person for 12 months before they got him. The public is groomed by these task forces when they, via media, tout we ‘SAVED A CHILD or MANY CHILDREN TODAY’ when there was none. Boca Raton FL is home of the largest private prison corporation in the U.S.. Who is their lobbyist? Ron Book who has broken the law twice now. There are 912,000 men, women & children 6, 8 & 10 in some states required to register. Impacts 2.5M family members who are ostracized, homes burned, made to leave church/organizations, kids passed over for higher education. Women Against Registry - Fights the destruction of families.
4
When do we find out why Acosta made the sweetheart deal with Epstein..
17
Big deal he went to Harvard! He failed to notify victims, required by law. He and his office enabled a pedophile to be picked up by limo outside a low security prison and driven to work 6-days a week. Even Hispanic, Harvard grads can be corrupt.
26
Trump is doing the same old stunt: using the helicopter to avoid any questions from the press.
He's so busy, "can't talk", ha-ha, laughing all the way to his putrid "southern white palace" aka Mara-a-logo (which is sinking underwater fast).
23
And they thought the scandal that was going to haunt Acosta was the one where he skirted the law as the Head of the Civil Rights Division under Bush.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/02/trump-labor-nominee-presided-over-politicized-hiring-scandal-at-justice/517002/
Is anyone going to mention the lawsuit that was filed against Trump and Epstein by a woman who testified that they both raped her when she was 13 years old?
And it's not as if Acosta was unaware of that one.
Trump has abused and debased the White House so much and is so filth-driven that his team of appointees is more hazardous than toxic waste.
He's so abusive that once he's finally left the White House we're going to need to check for vandalism and theft of items.
19
In addition, there will need to be a cleansing ceremony - burning sage, cedar or other sweet smelling herb to purify and heal the White House after such a malevolent, orange presence!
3
As one of your columnists noted the other day: plutocrats run wild. It's an old boy's sex network that the police should shut down.
19
Sexual predator asks sexual predator cover-up artist to resign.
"For the good of the country".
30
Gee, that was a quick one!
9
@Greg Kraus that was a quick one? Not really. Julie Brown first published on this in November 2018. Acosta was found guilty of essentially perversion of justice in February 2019. I have been calling congressional reps of both parties and many states to demand Acosta's resignation for months, especially after newsworthy events. Their slowness to act astonishes me. But better late than never, I guess.
Now we need to focus on stopping separating families and putting asylum seekers in maximum security prisons. Apparently, our outrage will yeild results. We must just have the patience and tenacity of Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption.
5
I have......the best people.
17
Many US attorneys are political hacks who don't know how to run a trial...they depend on deputies to do the work
2
Another one bites the dust. Not that it matters...meh.
7
Yet another Trump swamp creatures -- wait, no, excuse me-- cabinet members bites the dust.
9
Only the best people...
13
There is now a very quick, painless character test out there. If Trump says someone is a great person, then there is a 99% chance that they either have a criminal record, have done immoral things, and/or have little to no integrity.
29
How many is this now? (https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/07/12/us/politics/12reuters-usa-trump-staffing-factbox.html is a partial list...). In business, when turnover gets high, and you get known for it, you cannot attract the level of talent you need to get things done. Acosta is extraordinarily accomplished for a prosecutor, and although controversial (like how he's the son of refugees and working for an administration hostile to refugees) he was definitely intelligent as far as his job competency goes overall. The same cannot be said of many of Trumps' later appointments and decisions for replacing competent personnel (such as the current process of Kelly Craft, who didn't even show up to work for 300 days and supposedly replacing Nikki Haley). The Epstein debacle is spectacularly bad for both rule of law and publicity for an otherwise accomplished prosecutor and the resignation is understandable. I just wonder what kind of person will follow given what we've witnessed so far. I wouldn't put it past Trump to appoint yet another lobbyist masquerading as a public servant.
10
This hasn’t gone away. Won’t take much time for this story to expand and explode. Epstein, being a fastidious keeper of notes etc, his detailed records(possibly even recordings) will expose many prominent people in this dreadful miscarriage of justice . These young victims will be heard, loud and clear, and justice will belatedly be done.
10
Also worth looking into is the immunity deal granted to unnamed co-conspirators in the Epstein case. Epstein befriended many wealthy, influential, powerful men, and I believe Epstein got a great deal to protect them, not solely himself. These predator-friends-co-conspirators of Epstein were likely photographed with the young girls they abused. The court, by way of Acosta, was protecting their reputations of these men, likely whom were titans of business, banking, and politics. These wealthy, influential, powerful men took part in the despicable manipulation and exploitation of vulnerable, young, disadvantaged girls they later labeled prostitutes. These girls were not involved in sexual acts with men for cash before these older men offered their concern and assistance, providing cash as a gift. Later these predators, including Trump, made them feel obligated to massage their old bodies and more. When enough “gratitude” wasn’t forthcoming, some teens were raped. Who were these co-conspirators, and why aren’t they being charged in the SDNY alongside Epstein?
5
Somebody knows that the worst is yet to come.
12
I don’t know how I feel about Secretary Acosta resigning. I understand those who are outraged over his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein sex crimes case.
On the other hand, what’s the point in becoming a billionaire financier if you’re not expecting preferred treatment when you allegedly commit these sick crimes?
7
Were other men/criminals (besides Epstein) given the special-I-can-leave-prison-everyday-plea deal by Acosta and his team?
6
Conservatives in the White House have not been happy with Acosta, he's didn't strike down labor laws at the volume or speed they were expecting.
The next (acting) Sec. of Labor will be a anti-labor hawk,
he/she will make Acosta look like John Llewellyn Lewis.
It only gets worse, that I can tell you.
3
I want every person who, in an official capacity, helped Epstein to be named, shamed and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Trump is an awful person but he was not in office when this travesty occurred. People throughout our government, Republican and Democrat, had a hand in this.
I want accountability. By focusing on Trump we will not get that.
3
Why does he get to walk away and carry on with his life, joining whatever politically connected law firm? Why isn't he put on trial for breaking the law?
17
@Tedj
I sense that corruption is at the heart of the NY investigation. May all involved fall swiftly as example to those who would damage children to extort loathsome men.
6
@Tedj
It will be hard for him to get a job once he's disbarred.
4
Throwing in the towel this early? There’s something fishy about this. What are they trying to hide?
Why was Acosta given a cabinet position by Trump in the first place? Was it a reward for having bailed out Epstein? Did that protect others from things coming out? Who?
Since when does Trump do anything other than for himself?
I wonder what else there is that they don’t want to come out?
26
Trump does nothing for anyone but himself. Never.
8
@Timbuk There's a finite supply of people, qualified or not, willing to serve in his cabinet. It's possible Trump doesn't owe every one of them something
I read the Miami Herald story last year, and promptly shared it with my family, being Cuban and originally from the area - As is this Acosta ( sorry CNN Jim - the admirable Cuban Acosta ). I thought Alex, the man in charge responsible for curbing human trafficking should be fired then. So, what does little Marco have to say then ? now ?
9
Just a shot in the dark, but suppose Mr. Epstein surreptitiously recorded events, either for personal amusement or blackmail purposes. That could explain a lot.
Smile, all you big-time movers and shakers, you’re on Candid Camera.
14
You know he recorded everything. Good luck finding them!!!
The left wing media was not going to let this story about Alexander Acosta die down. They have been going after him like so many in President Trump's cabinet. Who will be the next victim? Do the Trump supporters really care? Hardly.
4
You're not really calling Acosta a victim, are you? Do you think Epstein is, as well?
12
@KMW -- the next victim? What a joke. Do you read and listen to anything or anybody other than Sean Hannity or Rush Limbaugh or do just cook up your own information all by yourself?
9
@KMW
So true. Lost on them is that Epstein is not Trump, and Trump is not Epstein. In their minds, they all look alike.
2
To hear Acosta tell it, sex-trafficking of children, child rape and purchasing underage sex slaves from parents overseas was much less controversial in 2008 than it is now in the "Me-Too" era. That's not the way I recall it, but perhaps I was being over-sensitive.
18
If you dig too deep, it gets more and more disgusting.
8
Like everything in Trump world.
1
How in the world does "the incredible economy that we have today" (Acosta) justify Acosta's resignation during the wake of the Epstein case?
13
Oh to be a fly on the wall at Up Island cocktail parties this week end!
13
Acosta “said he wanted to help Mr. Epstein’s victims. “And that’s what the prosecutors of my office did — they insisted that he go to jail and put the world on notice that he was and is a sexual predator,” he said. . . Mr. Acosta offered a similar defense to senators during his confirmation process to be labor secretary in 2017, when he weathered criticism about the Epstein plea deal and won confirmation in a 60-to-38 vote. “
I wonder if Acosta fully disclosed all of the sorted details in Epstein’s sweetheart plea deal to those senators present at his confirmation hearing. Somehow I think not otherwise he would not have been confirmed.
Also, I find it ironic that on Wednesday, Acosta was fiercely defending the decisions he took 11 yrs ago but then on Friday morning, he tenders he resignation. For someone who alleges he made the best decision at the time, resigning so quickly does not ring true, but rather as hollow as Epstein’s jail time of 13 mos.
Perhaps Acosta believes as a private citizen he is no longer in harm’s way, but he’s an attorney and is pretty savvy about the law, after all he did carve out a sweet deal for Epstein. Whatever the reason for his sudden resignation, I would not be surprised if that wasn’t some kind of sweetheart deal he made with his boss – in case he needed to fall on his law books a second time.
I just hope this is only the beginning of Acosta’s downward spiral of accountability for he let so many young girls down 11 years ago.
15
Epstein's victims deserve justice with by jailing Acosta who failed to protect and defend them.
Investigate Acosta.
We are a miserable human race to inflict such harm to the young girls who were exploited for an old man's perversity and wickedness. Even worse, we have systems in place that fail because of corruption and evil.
Are we that pitiful?
11
Mr. Acosta did such a great job for Mr. Epstein as a prosecutor now that he’s available Acosta can work his magic for the defense.
7
Each department of the corrupt Trump regime has been left in the charge of the most antithetical individual possible. Child traffickers find a friend at the Department of Labor. It’s truly insane.
9
When is Cyrus Vance, Jr. going to resign? Where is Chuck Schumer calling for his resignation?
7
Shouldn't he be prosecuted for his sweetheart deal with Epstein?
6
@Mike McGuire
Yes.
2
@Mike McGuire
Can you really "prosecute" a prosecutor for a sweet deal? If so, Comey would have been charged, disbarred and banned from all government work after his lenient treatment of Hillary.
2
@Mike McGuire
Unequivocally,....YES!
2
Here we go again.
The resignation of another "Secretary of Whatever" of this administration opens a job for an acting in charge that requires no vetting by Congress. It's becoming a new tradition.
We are having so many "actors" that perhaps this director will get used to those apprentice positions and will consider supporting a successor down the road who will appoint and keep him as an acting president and advisor that requires no election by the American people. If he is being "advised" by cable news hosts, what is to stop that successor from listening to his tweets for another term?
9
Why did the president preface Acosta as being "a Hispanic man"? What on earth does that have to do with anything? I think I can work out an answer, but it is maddening and makes no sense that Trump should refer to Acosta's ethnicity in this context.
49
Isn't the bigger issue how this person was confirmed by the Senate in the first place. As a former prosecutor what qualifications did he have to head the Department of Labor? And why was the Epstein plea deal a bigger item then? Dis-function everywhere.
18
@Jake McKenna
Mr. Acosta was confirmed the same way Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed by the McConnell Senate.
McConnell (and the lockstep Republican Senators) are the problem. Vote them all out in 2020.
19
@MidtownATL
And Kavanaugh was treated like Epstein. Think about that.
2
Acosta broke the law by keeping the plea deal secret from the victims. I would like to see an article examining this further. Are there no consequences for breaking the law here? If not, why not? I need more facts about this issue please!
29
Acosta said, “The focus needs to be on this economy and on job creation, on the decreased fatalities in the workplace and in mining. And going forward, that’s where this administration needs to focus, not on this matter.”
Clearly his focus wasn't on "this matter" twelve years ago either nor have we ever quite landed on it yet. Exactly when do we focus our attention on girls and women who are repeatedly failed by a system that is dedicated to focusing on protecting the lives of predators?
Such a callous statement doesn't come from one now --or ever-- remotely concerned with the way victims' lives can be destroyed by sexual assault.
11
Lawyer takes a case, then resigns his job because his client is highly unpopular? Just like the recent Harvard lawyer who resigned having represented Harvey Weinstein?
No.
Every one is entitled to a lawyer, and representing any one is not a bad thing. It's like 1984.
Trump cut him loose because Trump stands by no one but Trump.
7
Except Acosta was a prosecutor. Epstein wasn't his client.
2
Does Epstein have somthing on Trump? And, can he leverage that to stay out of jail? This is the holy grail. After he was convicted the first time, he should have opened a convent and devoted most of his life to helping the underprivileged. Going back to the evil ways was not a clear route to a life without incarceration. People love redemption, and they hate rich people gaming the system. With the me-too movement, and wealth disparity, and the economy sitting on a lame horse on the edge of the Grand Canyon, it’s bad timing for Epstein. Then, we have his lawyers saying that he “thought” that his sentence was somehow a, “global,” exoneration from further prosecution. Maybe, if he had opened up that convent.
9
I am neither evangelical nor Christian, but try to be decent and honest. If I were an evangelical Christian, I would be looking deeply and with great concern -- I might even be in a fit -- over what shady politicians were doing in my name.
17
As long as Trump keeps appointing Christian judges who ignore the constitution, and keeps defunding abortion, and keeps making them feel special, the evangelicals will overlook just about anything. Rarely has any society suffered at the whims of such a corrupt, immoral group of charlatans as the USA has suffered under the whims of Evangelicals, and their benefactor in the Oval Office.
11
"Resign?!" How about immediately investigated by an independent, non-partisan group of law-enforcement investigators, indicted(after revealing the criminal wrong doing committed by Acosta),....and imprisoned for the rest of his life--particularly in light of all of the young women's lives he helped to destroy.
What a disgusting and egregiously corrupt American Federal legal system we have.
17
This was the same Lisa Bloom who was going to represent Harvey Weinstein over sexual abuse accusations until the uproar against her became too much and she resigned. Jeffrey Epstein is certainly no angel but Ms. Bloom's taking on the Weinstein case was extremely poor judgement on her part. Of course, both men should serve lengthy sentences and never see the light of day.
And what about the Manhattan DA's office. In 2011 they were willing to reduce the Epstein level 3 sex offender ruling to level 1. I hope they also investigate Cyrus Vance for his handling of this case also. Other resignations hopefully will follow. There is plenty of blame to go around.
7
@KMW - Police officers who allowed Epstein to ignore monitoring rules should also be fired. If they allow Epstein to get away with this who else are they currently protecting?
7
@KMW -- Lisa Bloom resigned as an advisor to Weinstein and apologized to her staff and to the public for having made a mistake.
5
That Acosta ended up as Sec'y of Labor sounded like a quid pro quo to me, from the start. Acosta got kicked upstairs for helping Trump's buddy, Epstein, win a literal "get out jail free card" from a Florida prison. He then "resigned" when the stink got too close to our stable genius president. Trump always seems to be asking us, "who you gonna believe, me or your lying eyes?" The country has fallen so far. Amazing to watch the decline.
19
This Trump mis-administration continues to distinguish itself as the filthiest, sleaziest, most dishonest presidential administration ever, worse even than Nixon's.
16
@Jim Steinberg
In collateral damage, we are finding out about all the sleazes in Washington DC; this club is non-partisan and non-denominational, as well as long-standing.
2
...one more “acting” and the trump administration wins a free dessert at Golden Corral...!
7
"Mr. Acosta has said the decision was the best under the circumstances at the time to ensure that Mr. Epstein would face jail time."
According to WaPo, Mr. Epstein spent just 13 months in a private wing of a county jail and was allowed to leave for work 12 hours a day, six days a week.
How is that facing jail time?
Common sense says that Mr. Acosta and his staff working on the case were compromised.
Or maybe they can explain WHY someone with millions and a mansion gets liberal work release, but poor people with families to support -- get what?
17
Blame the drumbeat of the press rather than the child predator at the center of it all.
Please tell me this is the lowest point the conservative movement can sink to and people with moral decency and actual ideas will somehow take over now.
7
I'm not an Acosta fan, but this was unnecessarily humiliating. You make a guy beg publicly for his job, but cut him loose anyway 2 days later. No class, but no surprise either.
4
Jeffrey Epstein contributed thousands of dollars to the Clinton Foundation. They were quite chummy and Bill Clinton took some flights on his private plane. Will Bill Clinton do the right thing and return this money? It will be interesting to see what he does. Will this even be brought up by the media and the Democrats?
2
@KMW
It isn't about Clinton
7
"The Right Thing Was to Step Aside"
- uh, no, the right thing was to prosecute that pedophile 10 years ago and put him behind bars for a long, long time.
18
"Everything Trump touches dies."
10
@MidtownATL
HPV is not a death sentence unless you don't go to the doctor to spot trouble spots in time. Did Melania finally get real medical attention?
3
@Abby
I'm only guessing Donald's presidency saved her life. She could have had better doctors then his.
Please remember that Alan Dershowitz lobbied the Pulitzer Prize committee to deny Julie Brown and the Miami Herald the honors they so richly deserve in breaking this case. https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/14003/pulitzer-prize-fake-news
I'm trusting that the committee will do their duty to the profession. If not, the Pulitzer Prize will be meaningless.
25
Trump was probably with one of these girls. Maybe he’ll step aside. Pence must have trouble sleeping at night.
9
Next big book --- "All the Emperor's Men"
4
Another one of Trump's "Best People".
The list grows longer .......and longer,,,,and
5
Maybe Betsy DeVos will join the ever-growing of list of cabinet members to resign and then 45 will pick Kanye to take her place.
9
Not word of concern for the young girls abused by Epstein from the leader of the Evangelical Christian Family Values Party.
Just a reminder how of morally bankrupt Evangelical Christianity is.
19
@Sterlin -- certainly Dr. Jeffries (the famous First Baptist of Dallas) has gotten wind of this. He endorsed Trump and is very active in politics. Where is his voice on pedophiles, separating children and disgraceful care of refugees.
2
Whitewash, Resign, Repeat.
10
Another "swamp creature" departs from the most corrupt and incompetent administration in history.
37
@Dennis Mega oh dear you must be talking about the Obama administration as the most corrupt just look at the justice dept under him talk about corrupt!
@tom: You can't be serious. Trump is in a class by himself In corruption. I've never seen anything like this.
5
The right thing to do was say you are sorry to all the victims and that you made a poor choice in who you defended.
27
Now, if we can get rid of Ivanka, Jared, Conway, Barr and Miller, we would only have the chief alligator to leave finally draining all the swamp.
33
@DB
You forgot Mitch McConnell: some say, he is the swamp.
17
@DB
Don't forget Mnuchin.
4
Shouldn't Acosta be prosecuted and put in jail?
32
@P2 First, he would need to be tried and proven guilty.
3
@ P2 - Under what criminal statute?
4
Now what the NY Times needs to do is send a crack team of ace reporters to start investigating exactly what Bill Clinton knew, when he knew it, and what he may have received from Epstein in terms of, shall we say, gifts? When's that gonna happen?
8
@Ralphie - Why Clinton and not the current occupant of the White House? You know, the guy who is impacting the lives of millions of Americans.
12
@DR Dr -- if there is evidence that Trump went with Epstein on junkets to the Caribbean or elsewhere, I have no problem with that. However, we do know that BIlly and Jeffrey palled around, Epstein took him places. We also know Billy's proclivities.
But sure, if you have evidence that Trump and Jeffrey were the same kind of pals, investigate. In fact, anyone who appears to have had that kind of relationship with Epstein should be investigated. Right?
1
@DR - Why not both guys? They hung out together, their kids are best friends. Hillary was sitting in the front row of Melania's wedding. They ran in the same circles.
2
Ah, white privilege: you cut a sweetheart deal with a child molester, get a prestigious six-figure job working for another sexual predator, and the worst that happens to you is you have to quit your job and take another six-figure job somewhere else.
42
Why does anyone care about this?
5
@Joe O'Malley
Well, I guess that some people just have a problem with repeated child sexual abuse being ignored by those in power. Go figure!
23
@Joe O’Malley
Why don’t you ask the women Epstein victimized?
18
@Joe O'Malley - Because each and every day the decisions that impact every aspect of our lives are in the hands of liars, crooks, con artists, bigots and misogynists. That's a problem.
21
Mr Acosta cannot be allowed to slip back into the shadows. Apparently he has shielded a Harvard Law School professor - Alan Dershowitz in this matter. Prof Dershowitz has allegedly participated in raping underage girls "provided" by Epstein in Epstein's private island mansion.
Shame on Prof Dershowitz and shame on Harvard for continuing to employ him.
32
@Rudran
A few years back, there were also rumors about Prince Andrew, the son of the Queen of England: would that put him above the law, i.e. above U.S. laws?
5
Hope more go down. Love to see Clinton indicted along with Dershowitz. I voted for Trump but if they can get him great. I despise pedophiles. The debauchery in our system is disgusting.
13
@thomas jordon
If you find debauchery disgusting, then why-pray tell-did you vote for Trump?
5
Trump is radioactive. Anybody vain enough, foolish enough to join this administration must know that they will become irradiated, certainly contaminated, likely mortally so. Acosta today, Bill Barr tomorrow.
21
@SD Clark
Everything Trump touches dies.
4
Overwhelmingly, The GOP voted for the nomination of a man who protected a serial pedophile sexual abuser.
28
@Pete
... and it was religious people who elected him.
11
Fran, so many of the RR interpret "turn the other cheek" to mean "look the other way". Our country has a wretched history of looking the other way while thousands, maybe millions, of children in its history have been physically and psychologically abused by men with money, power, or both.
6
Seems like the "fake news" does a much better job of vetting officials than does the Trump administration.
26
@JM. yes, how can a guy with no college education, who no hedge fund managers have ever had dealings with--can own an island, a 28000 square foot house, a mansion in New York City, and can have acquired unfathomable wealth? Follow the money though it may lead to TS Eliot's "pit too deep to plumb".
29
@kat The con. He offered something that they wanted.
10
AG Barr has un-recused himself in the Epstein case.
That can only mean Trump has exposure.
39
When a Statesperson becomes a figure of high controversy, it is time to step aside. Mr. Acosta was astute to realize this, and our Nation is not going to waste time in long disruptive Sessions.
5
Like an elephant trying to hide behind a flagpole, notice how conspicuously silent Epstein’s lawyers are right now.
18
Freddie Mercury said it best:
Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust
And another one gone, and another one gone
Another one bites the dust
Hey, I'm gonna get you, too
Another one bites the dust
21
"... justice for all ..." rings hollow in light of myriad of corrupt and inhumane deeds of all members of current administration and Trump himself.
6
He resigns to save Trump from more deserved "negative" publicity about the partying these men thought was appropriate. Good riddance to another arguably chauvinistic enabler of the rich white debauched male. His excuses are not acceptable to this writer.
6
I foolishly thought the swamp in Florida was in the Everglades but it turns out it’s wherever you can find a Trump supporter.
19
How can this be, Mr. Trump only gets the "best" people for his cabinet posts? Mr. Trump is such a great judge of character just talk to his friends: Vladimir Putin, Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Kim Jong Un and Jeffrey Epstein.
15
It is incredulous that I am reading comments from Americans who openly say that there is a different system for a wealthy white man compared to how black people are treated...when just yesterday Facebook suspended me for two months for saying some white people were evil in response to a comment that AOC was playing the "race card." I said that racism is not a game...it is a psychological terrorist tactic foisted on people of color to disarm them and keep them living in fear so white people can continue to feel their unearned feelings of superiority. Facebook is owned by white people and the censorship I am experiencing is no different than the power of white people to determine who is punished, who is victimized and who gets paid to walk.
4
@Ardyth
Cancel your Facebook account.
Who needs it anyway?
8
@Ardyth
Cancel your Facebook account
No one needs it anyway !
5
@Ardyth,
Shame on FB!!! Double-standard hypocrisy.
3
Further proof that everything DJT touches dies.
Now acosta will join zinke, pruitt, price...
One thing we can be sure of is that the list will grow.
17
What way to end a career in government. Cocktail parties will never be the same for Acosta.
4
and tell me, if you would, what kind of pension, healthcare coverage, and perks will this creep have when he "resigns"? he's going to have the same over-the-top perks that every previous resigner has received. this is disgusting.
12
Meanwhile back at the ranch in the US the EPA is being gutted (already air quality is plummeting), the CFPB is being dismantled, Dodd–Frank is being compromised, the deficit is going through the roof, huge chunks of public lands are being sold off, world free trade is being seriously assailed, the justice department is being revamped with a slew of GOP biased judicial appointees, and all while the FBI is being disemboweled.
33
Yes, NYT please highlight these issues that have a direct impact on people and our country.
7
@John Townsend -- Dodd-Frank is being compromised is correct. Two days ago on Bloomberg I heard that we are the only country in the G20 that has opposed margin limits and that the banks are over-leveraged AGAIN. I heard other abuses by our banks that I am not familiar with so I will not speak to those at this time.
2
How many "acting" positions are now held in the Trump administration? Doesn't that something sinister about this administration that it is unwilling to put forth any candidate that requires confirmation--even though the confirmation process itself has become a joke? Think Betsy DeVos.
16
@SNA
In an ordinary administration it would be sinister that so many appointed positions are held by "acting" leaders. In this administration it's at least as likely that all but the most desperate or deluded have rebuffed invitations to join. Not only is Trump an abysmal boss, but association with him is starting to carry a stench that would render one unemployable elsewhere.
2
The plea deal was public knowledge at the time of Acosta's confirmation, and in fact he was questioned about it during the hearings. Apparently it wasn't enough of a concern then to block his confirmation. But now that additional charges have been brought against Epstein, Acosta has to go? I don't get it. Well, yes, I do. It's politics, at its most cynical. Right, wrong, and logic have nothing to do with it.
11
@Dave He was confirmed the same way that Kavanaugh was - Mitch McConnell's Senate. And do I need to mention that his wife is a cabinet sec?
2
Of course this is all about the amazing economy we have right now...sure.
5
And the great efforts to reduce climate change, clear air and using renewable resources.
7
Acosta's otherwise exemplary record as US Attorney in South Florida, successfully prosecuting challenging, even dangerous, well-lawyered defendants, most gives the lie to Acosta's claims that prosecuting Epstein would present a "too difficult" case.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Acosta#U.S._Attorney_for_Southern_District_of_Florida
Acosta's capitulation on Epstein had nothing to do with the challenge. Someone made Acosta an offer he would not refuse.
Acosta's resignation from the Labor Department is insufficient. He didn't suddenly decide to resign a day after defending himself. He was defending Trump. Trump clearly demanded such an indirect defense from Trump. For anyone paying attention, Acosta's performance for Trump should make Trump's connection with Epstein even more concerning.
We still need to understand what really happened when Epstein didn't even get a wrist slap. Epstein got a manicure from the US Attorney in South Florida.
We owe it the Epstein's victims. We owe it to ourselves. We need to enforce our laws, regardless of a perpetrator's wealth and influence. We need to know what Epstein had over the heads of the people who ran defense for Epstein.
32
Sing it, Bobby !
9
@Robert Henry Eller Acosta--Kirkland and Ellis. William Barr--Kirkland and Ellis. Leibowitz, representing Epstein---Kirkland an Ellis. Coincidence? Not likely.
11
@Socrates
You only need ears to hear, Soc!
1
Great... Yet another ‘acting cabinet member’.
4
The video clip is nauseating. Trump hails what appears to be an utterly crooked former prosecutor, and Acosta butters him up as he says his farewell. They both find the betrayal and exploitation of minors to be of much less importance than the allegedly strong economy. Strong for whom?
These are the values of fascist dictatorships.
I hope the investigation of the Epstein case finds every iota of possible bribery, fat cat influence, and criminal behavior by Epstein’s cronies and colluders.
27
Remember, Trump did say he would have nothing but the best and brightest people working in his administration... Do you know how many have left his administration? Do you supporters still think that he is not a conman? You know, asking for a friend!
13
@EastTraveler I suspect that many of them know trump is a con man but as long as the "Libs" are getting owned, they simply don't care. Fueled by spite.
#VoteBlueNoMatterWho2020
What an appalling resignation! Shows no character. All he cares about is money, not integrity, apparently from his statement.
12
So this morning he says at the press conference regarding Acosta's resigning "and I just want you to know this was him and not me because I'm with him." Oh yes, Mr. Trump we know you're with him and you are with Epstein too. And we know why.
25
This is the 2019 definition of "Draining the Swamp":
* Trump's Cabinet Cronies continue to fall like bowling pins
* Many of Trump's GOP henchmen in the House have already fallen like bowling pins
* Next up, the Senate Republicans
* And finally, next year's coup de grace: Trump
Americans do not like anti-Americans.
11
The Administration that will forever be known as “The Swamp” . A legacy Trump can not change or control. History will be written about him. Not by him
12
at father-of-one. "Follow the money"....this time it might really lead somewhere.
4
Trump has another dangerous marker out there (probably several) in the Epstein mess.
That “Jane Doe” who brought a civil suit alleging that Trump raped her 13-year old self in Epstein’s apartment, and who had a sworn eyewitness? The suit was withdrawn after (her lawyer says) “Jane Doe” and her family were threatened. Right before the 2016 election. The NYTimes did not cover all this because (they told me at the time) the accuser chose to remain anonymous. She fits the profile of many of Epstein’s other young, poor, often homeless victims, and her affidavit sounds both horrible and credible.
23
@Sheils Leavitt
That suit was dismissed not once, or twice, but three times, by three different judges.
There is no sworn statement from any eyewitness
There is no affidavit from the alleged victim
"The FBI began investigating Epstein in 2006."
-source: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/10/us/politics/acosta-epstein-fact-check.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage
Acosta's sweetheart deal was in 2008.
Guess who was the Director of the FBI from the start of the FBI's investigation until the sweetheart deal?
Robert Mueller.
4
The investigation was successful. The prosecution was lame.
5
I never thought I would miss Clinton's blue dress. At least she was an adult. This is the most disgusting presidency of my life.I don't want the ultra Christian Pence as president. He is ignoring all of the misdeeds by Trump. Apparently power is more important to him. Can we get rid of this administration?
38
Patience Sharon, patience. November 2020 will be here before we know it, sweeping out Trump and his team of miscreants and grifters.
10
This is the most disgusting presidency and administration in ALL our lives. The constant lies and criminal acts is out of control. There’s no checks and balances, and the senate is horrrific! They’re not doing their jobs at all.
11
@DHL
does it matter which party Epstein belongs ? a disgusting person is a disgusting person. just like Trump mentioned Acosta was Harvard graduate, but it does not guarantee him a decent guy.
1
Another of Trump’s cabinet member resigns in shame. How many is that in less than 3 years? I’ve lost track. Without the “fake news” Miami Herald, Epstein would still be allowed to run free raping teenage girls and his enabler would still be “draining the swamp”. The GOP version of American greatness.
26
Theme of trump's presidency: another one bites the dust...
13
I guess Acosta failed his "explanation" audition the other day. He didn't pull a "Kavanaugh" and rant like a privileged, angry drunk (something I'm sure Trump demanded Kavanaugh do).
Acosta just didn't have it in him.
22
Didn't Trump just express his full faith in Acosta a couple of days ago?
22
If for trump obstruction of justice, treason in plain sight, blatant corruption and rape do not rise to the level of ‘high crimes and misdemeanors’, then what does? Is this why congress is dragging its feet on impeachment?
13
“He felt the constant drumbeat of press about a prosecution which took place under his watch more than 12 years ago was bad for the Administration, which he so strongly believes in, and he graciously tendered his resignation.”
Trump and his people are not exactly known for their "graciousness". Isn't this the guy who-called the Tiki-Torch Nazis in Charlottesville, "fine people"?
Yet Trump, in return, "graciously" accepted Acosta's resignation. Did they sip mint juleps afterwards out there in the Rose Garden? Will we be seeing more of Acosta enjoying the amenities at Mar-a-Lago or Bedminster courtesy of Donald Trump's newfound "graciousness".
It wasn't right but it was... gracious? Not because Acosta was and is an over-the-top tool of monied interests and a political liability? Not because it was also prudent to create some distance between Trump and an ally, Epstein, who also happened to be a sex trafficker? No, it's because Acosta was, again... gracious? Is the real story (once more) bad press/good administration?
Does anybody really believe this hogwash? These people don't just lie. They hallucinate.
19
He’ll get a subpoena, trump will tell him to ignore it, and be charged with contempt. Same old story. Or, maybe he’ll do the right thing and testify against trump to take a plea bargain, and we’ll be hearing the Cohen theory. Then we see and hear what trump REALLY thinks about him.
11
Republicans in Congress knew — it’s in the record — about the demonstrably illegal aspects of the Acosta/Epstein plea deal. They nonetheless confirmed Acosta to a cabinet post. That’s as far a double standard as you can get. At least what Bill Clinton did with Monica was legal.
17
What Clinton did was legal, and I still maintain my opinion about the entire situation. She wasn’t raped, she wasn’t assaulted. She was completely compliant and the “relationship” was consensual.
8
So glad that this tone deaf president pointed out that Acosta is Hispanic so he shores up his base in the minority communities.
20
Acosta and Carson are his token department heads. Very sad that trump makes it so obvious.
9
Something something drain the swamp? Is the Times going to find verification on that party Trump and Epstein were at where alleged sexual assaults were committed? This whole thing makes me gag and vomit.
13
Upside: someone in the Trump world has some notion of doing the proper thing; downside: the connection with scandal that seemingly endlessly includes Trump who never has any intention of doing the proper thing.
5
Acosta's resignation letter reads as if one of Trump's speechwriter wrote it for him.
It was a literal tribute to Trump, nothing more, nothing less.
https://twitter.com/SecretaryAcosta/status/1149688089213714432
I believed he was forced to resign, but Trump agreed to let him save face as long as wrote a glowing tribute to Trump. And that's exactly what the letter is.
20
I agree. But that ‘glowing tribute’ won’t change the facts.
3
There was the NYT story earlier this week about Epstein not being as wealthy as it has been thought. But he owned the largest townhouse in NYC, houses in Florida, Paris, New Mexico, an island in the Caribbean. He had a "thriving" financial business with only one client. Suspicious yet? Something else very illegal was happening. Blackmail? Money laundering? It seems as though we can only rely on the press to investigate.
26
Any spectacle Trump thinks he can control the narrative of seems to be what he calls working. NOLA is calling Mr. President. GOP is famous for not picking up.
6
A proper vetting of Acosta would probably have prevented him from being appointed in the first place. The facts were available. It's hard to imagine a more incompetent president than Trump. The White House is the scene of one chaotic episode after the last. What happens if and when the country faces some dire crisis that calls for real leadership?
11
The GOP is to blame also. They have “Yay’d” way too many times. The democrats didn’t have a chance. Plus, checks and balances dies with this administration.
9
Wow, so Trump was willing to overlook the Acosta/Epstein sweetheart deal when he appointed him, though many raised this issue at the time? What else will come to light now?
With this sordid episode in a long string of them, we must now come to grips with impeachment hearings---for the health and sanity of the nation. What weapons do we have to protect ourselves?
With impeachment, Trump's base won't be any more rabid than now, and no voter will become pro Trump if he's impeached.
See Laurence Tribe, W. Post, “Impeach Trump. But don’t necessarily try him in the Senate.”
Says the senate doesn’t have to vote to make the House investigation successful, but we must take steps to preserve our democracy against other would-be tyrants who come after this one.”
Tribe and legal scholars warn that failure to start impeach hearings will give future presidents permission to do whatever they want. And will include a wide variety of actions harmful to the nation, as we see in this case.
It's like a spreading infection of corruption that becomes a norm. We need a political sanitation campaign.
Pros & Cons? Sure, but we gain more than we lose if impeachment hearings are started, and explicitly labeled as such.
Trump has no limits, and his courtiers arrogantly rationalize anything. Then Dems are cautious.
Norms are being set right now. More swamp creatures lurk, ready to come to the surface ---in America, The Once Beautiful.
10
Someone above Acosta was probably pulling strings to protect Bill Clinton and that is why he was pressured into the lenient deal. The way this how turns out really depends on which powerful ppl are implicated in Epstein’s crimes. A lot of ppl seem to hope Trump is. However with Trump’s open talk about the “some of them in the younger side” comment and his banning of Epstein from Mar a Lago - it appears to me that Trump is more likely to be innocent and as of now .. Clinton more likely to be found guilty. Thus the cover up in the first place .. power of the Clintons
3
It’s gotten to be kind of bizarre fun, watching Trumpists make stuff up and yell at it.
20
@First Gen - Right, because Republicans have always been so eager to protect Bill Clinton.
9
@First Gen
What an interesting story. And you tell it so well, almost like you even believe it!
4
Lot of swamp to drain and they keep coming. Is this the beginning of the end? Doubt it, more nonsense will keep dribbling out. Doing the right thing for the right reason is not hard to do - it is when a person in a position of authority tries to cut corners, have it both ways, and make questionable deals that he or she begins the inevitable slide towards trouble. What was he thinking? There are few crimes more heinous than human trafficking - having a low life like Epstein in your career will not end well if you don't do the right thing when you have the chance.
3
Acosta's comment about having a problem with everyone discussing a "case that happened 12 years ago" and only mentions the "great economy" (insert rolling eye emoji here)......let's ask all the victims how they feel about that. Time does not erase a lot of the damage that is done both physically and emotionally to these victims who are now adults. Shame on him.
13
I thought Trump was only going to "hire the best" and "drain the swamp."
What happened?
11
He said he’d have the best people. He didn’t say the best criminals. Too many of his “people” have sketchy pasts. Now that it’s all coming to light, he’s running out of an administration. He also said he could “do it all by himself.” Well, I kind of agree with that. He sure did do it. He destroyed people’s lives, even his “good friends.” When “all the best people” turn on him, he suddenly tries to destroy their character. He’s evil, period.
3
@Paul Best is a relative term.
1
ah . . . the importance of a free and competitive press.
10
Strike two on Donald J. Trumps record to protect children. He alone created his self made humanitarian crisis, that is on going at our southern border, involving separating children from their parents, and he should have fired Former Labor Secretary Alex Acosta for his involvement in Jeffrey Epstein’s sweet deal against underage girls when he was in charge of the case in Florida. Trumps comments this morning on the White House lawn, that “this was Acosta decision, not mine” indicates that instead of dis-playing real leadership, he punted and allowed Mr. Acosta to resign. Why are we not surprised that this President’s reputation, in his formal reality television world, was a made up myth, all for show. Only his gullible red state base believed that lie, hook, line, and sinker.
Strike three could occur as early as this weekend, when many American born children will find themselves without parents, following the pre-announced deportation raids. It is the law, but Trumps record against indefensible children is clear. He has not an ounce of compassion to do the right thing and protect our most vulnerable among us.
This latest vacancy in his cabinet indicates the continued turmoil within Trumps own dysfunctional administration, to maintain a consistent, viable, and functional government. All this after just 2 1/2 years in office. Can’t even imagine the turnover rate if he is re-elected to another full term as POTUS.
7
“The focus needs to be on this economy and on job creation... going forward, that’s where this administration needs to focus, not on this matter.” The Trump mantra.
So economy and jobs trump addressing alleged collusion in pedophilia, child abuse and corruption? It's shocking how the economy and job creation is constantly used to cover up egregious, unethical and criminal behavior by this admin.
Do trump fans really believe that the economy (whatever that really means) and jobs (even if they have to have three to survive) are all that matter (indentured servants had higher hopes). This routing for Team MAGA—good, bad and ugly, is cult-like. It is identity politics at its most egregious.
8
@angel98 I agree with you. Also Trump is trying to run the country the same as his failed business's. Running up huge debt, then claiming bankruptcy.
USA debt is now higher than it's GDP.
His followers think the "economy " is running so well now. No economy or business can run on debt indefinitely. But if it runs long enough while he's president, he'll say, "you see how great it was while I was president".
Then leave the mess to the next president to clean it up, all on the backs of middle class taxpayers.
He does not care, and he has said so.
How can people still follow this lying jerk.
6
Good riddance.
There are plenty of true scoundrels left in the current Cabinet, however, doing harm to their departments and the country every day.
Hopefully, NYT and other credible news sources will turn their attention to some of the worst, to force them out, too. As we have seen, the majority of these people cannot survive sustained critical attention. Pruitt and Zinke are Exhibits 1 and 2. How about thorough investigations into DeVos, Ross, and Perdue?
7
In the Trump administration there is no such thing as "the right thing"!
5
Acosta made a mistake in not prosecuting Epstein; it came back to bite him.
1
@Southern Boy
Mr. Trump made a mistake in appointing Mr. Acosta. (And most of the other "best people".)
Those mistakes will come back to bite him.
6
@Southern Boy
Forgetting to bring along a dog poop bag is a mistake.
Intimidating witnesses is a gross miscarriage of justice.
9
Follow the money.
5
Borrowing from a comment I’ve seen...can’t remember where....stop calling them ‘underage women’. Young male victims are never referred to as ‘underage men’. These are boys and girls who have very little understanding of the ramifications of adult situations they find themselves in.
7
Another one (Trump appointee) bites the dust.
3
If Julie Brown doesn't win the next Pulitzer for investigative reporting, there should be an investigation. All the President's Men, part two.
14
Trump is, and was always, surrounded by crooks and criminals. Definitely he is one of them but he is, sadly, also our president. Will we ever see a day when he pays price for his misdeeds? Losing in 2020 will not be enough, Trump belongs with Epstein, Cohen, Manafort, and many others who should be in a federal prison.
10
The man should be disbarred.
22
This is what happens when a con-man who calls himself a stable genius becomes president...he doesn't even vet the "best & brightest". Everyone of his cabinet has been involved in crime & been caught when they took pride in working for the biggest crook of all. When will they catch him?
32
If there were internet, smart phones, and television in the 1860's, I imagine President Lincoln would have been impeached at some point.
5
@Duane Mathias -- Impeached by whom, the Confederates?
12
Instead he was shot in the head. Good grief!
5
@Duane Mathias Are you trying to accuse Lincoln of sexual abuse?
6
Trump finds nothing wrong with a man who protected a child rapist. That's his character in a nutshell.
42
One down, Vance to go.
25
The road to hell is paved with moral compromises.
14
On another front - for the clueless and incompetent Cyrus Vance Jr I think that with Weinstein and Epstein it should be two strikes and you're out of there. We shouldn't have to wait for a third.
13
So Trump whines that ... harassment by the press ... about something 12 years ago, was forcing his good man to step down. Earth to Mr Amoral: It was a highly suspect deal cut to someone who raped children. Just when I thought a human couldn't possibly sink lower ... America, regain dignity by removing this person from office.
30
And I’m pretty sure he’s still worried about Whitewater. When was that? I don’t need the year, just the century.
10
@itsmildeyes
But then, at least, hundreds of children were not subsequently denied justice, exploited, abused & raped as a result of - enablers - in both the meandering court case and behind the scenes as procurers and enablers (then given a pass by the "justice system" to avoid an future scrutiny and prosecution).
2
Brandy,
You misunderstand me or perhaps I wasn’t clear. I was being (or meant to be) ironic.
2
Another 'good name' down the drain. Are Republicans tired of all the winning yet?
11
@Observor
Republicans other than Trump *are* winning. McConnell's carrying the ball into the end zone on the judicial and (de)regulatory fronts, exactly as he promised. That Trump is playing a drunken game of foosball (solo) while the rest of the party is scoring touchdowns is but a minor distraction to the party's Powers That Be.
Its hard to drain the swamp when the person in charge of the draining is the biggest monster of them all.
21
“a Hispanic man. He went to Harvard, a great student.”
What in the world does Acosta's ethnicity have to do with anything?
34
@Jasr He was from a good family.
2
@Jasr Trump can not help himself, if the guy is going down, then it is because he is Hispanic.
2
Acosta needs to be investigated.
Mike Fisten, a former Miami-Dade police sergeant who was also a homicide investigator and a member of the FBI Organized Crime Task Force, said the FBI had enough evidence to put Epstein away for a long time BUT WAS OVERRULED BY ACOSTA. Some of the agents involved in the case were disappointed by Acosta’s bowing to pressure from Epstein’s lawyers, he said.
Read more here: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article220097825.html
25
In his campaign Trump promised, among other things that he had a deep pool of the best and brightest in the country from which to staff his administration; turned out to be a very small, shallow mud puddle. And then he was going to drain the swamp, now he is treading water in it up to his neck. Disappointed in these two promises, I have gone on to "getting tired of winning". I begin to despair.
9
Trumps uncharacteristic high praise for Acosta leaves me very suspicious.
17
@CVP
He says this about everyone, and the response is always the same.
2
@AACNY - Yep, he says this about everyone, the crooks, the wife beaters, the child molesters...
Doesn't that bother you?
3
@CVP Maybe Acosta knows a thing or two.
1
At the press conference Trump was asked why he had a "falling out" with Epstein and tried to sidestep claiming it wasn't important. The press needs to be persistent on this - there is clearly something about his ties to Epstein he does not want us to know.
23
Well, this was quite different- a resignation that came without the merest whimper of protest, tweets nor chest thumping- probably in hopes that this horrific story would disappear with Acosta. I hope not. Kudos to Julie Brown and the Miami Herald. Please keep digging.
16
With all of his rhetoric in praising Acosta and distancing himself from Epstein, not once has Trump shown any concern for Epstein's victims, nor has he condemned the acts of which Epstein has been charged. Not once.
Both Trump and Acosta continually stressed that this "happened 12 years ago" so it shouldn't be a big deal.
This is the same Trump who brought Bill Clinton's accusers to one of his debates in 2016, more than 12 years after Clinton left office.
32
President Trump tweets:
"“[Mr. Acosta] felt the constant drumbeat of press about a prosecution which took place under his watch more than 12 years ago was bad for the Administration, which he so strongly believes in, and he graciously tendered his resignation,” the president wrote in a Twitter post after he stood with Mr. Acosta on the South Lawn of the White House and spoke to reporters..."
Again, it's the press's fault. However, he got one thing right: it's bad for his administration. The world has changed in the last dozen years.
5
For those that are curious as to the list of people that resigned or have been dismissed from the Trump "administration" I suggest you check out this Wikipedia article (it's a loooong list): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Trump_administration_dismissals_and_resignations
7
Trump does not know how to pick & vet people. In addition, the talented people do not want to be anywhere around him, with few exceptions. I expect by November 2020 American voters will say ”you’re fired.”
7
@Chad Brown He has appointed people who have done favors for him in the past. It is a pattern.
2
Maybe old news by now but I was at a book club this morning when the news broke… we we discussing Madeleine Albright's very accurate and horrifying book, Fascism, A Warning.
Sideline, was suggested that Pence was called back because Trump had to be sedated, was raging over the census ruling … who knows???
What will it take????
15
Tranquilizer darts. Good idea. I remember ‘Jim’ on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom never handled a cornered thrashing beast without first sedating the animal. Too dangerous.
7
Nothing to see here, move along folks, just a guy under a bus.... had to happen to enable the Trump/Epstein 2020 ticket...
11
Too bad that there’s a bottomless pit of craven, corrupt cronies Individual #1can draw from to slot into Acosta’s place.
11
I’d like to know how many young victims Epstein added to his roster while he was supposedly “working” at home during his “jail sentence.”
15
Fasten seat belts folks ... we’re witnessing obstruction of justice in full flight. Acosta’s leniency at Epstein’s behest obviously wasn't offered up for nothing. Notice how we have trump publicly defending this guy upfront and behind the scenes obviously instructing AG Barr to get involved to stymie legal process (re Acosta) as he’s been doing with the Mueller report.
17
Losing his cabinet seat is the least of the issues surrounding Acosta. He is clearly liable of criminal malfeasance and should be indicted. His leniency at Epstein’s behest obviously wasn't offered up for nothing.
12
My parents told me in high school that I might be judged by the character of those I associated with. Trump has chosen to associate himself with some very low characters. Not one or two. Not 10 or 11.
I practice in federal court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit is our appellate court, right below the Supreme Court. The notion that Secretary Acosta was in line to take a position on the 11th Circuit makes me upset, but mostly sad. My livelihood, and the livelihoods of my clients, depend on decisions by the 11th Circuit. The notion that a man like Mr. Acosta might be sitting on that Court just makes me shudder. So glad this has been exposed.
Kudos to the Free Press.
34
I think something major is about to be revealed. We’ve been so focused on real estate and money laundering that we forget how lucrative sex trafficking can be for elite men in this protective bubble.
23
Great news. Now let's have a forensic analysis of his finances for a couple of years around his Epstein 'deal', find the payoff and send him and all the others involved straight to jail.
12
C'mon Congress! Pull the plug on this three ring circus. How much lower can we allow the nation to sink? If you can't do your jobs, VOTERS will clean house in 2020.
10
Interesting how this report comes out the day after the White House holds a summit supporting social media extremists. They have the freedom to attack the reporter and newspaper who did the investigating and published the real story. They will assault her with every nasty comment possible with no thought of reality to thwart this kind of thing in the future. This is Trump world.
13
This whole think still stinks. On the surface it appears there was a plea deal that was possibly reasonable. This happens all the time. You can agree or disagree on a case by case basis. But in this case, there’s something else that went on that involves special favors for this super rich dirt ball. I don’t know what it was, but it stinks.
8
Because Trump appointees are all about the “right” thing.
7
The ethics investigation will continue and with any luck the conclusions will finish his career in law. Fox News beckons for this man.
11
Or did AG Barr not want to investigate "too deeply" and suggested Acosta leave. Bets that Acosta lands at Kirkland and Ellis.
6
Nah, he'll be the campaign manager for the Trump/Epstein 2020 ticket...
6
Acosta and Epstein, and all others like them most notably our current president, don't pop out of nowhere. Our culture creates and nurtures them - in this case how could that be more obvious?
We, the entire culture, dehumanize, objectify, perpetrate endless forms of violence and abuse toward females in countless ways each and everyday: rampant pornography that denies women the agency to define their own sexuality and encourages males to treat them horribly. We define female beauty as vanishing with youth, failing to recognize the many strengths and beauties that are uniquely female throughout their lifespans. We teach them not to speak up on their own behalf for when they do, we belittle and malign them.
No one is even surprised when Epstein like behaviors are revealed, so much so that not quite a majority of us blithely elect a publicly confessed sexual predator to the highest office and feign disgust only when we learn an offender is a member of the opposing party.
We can bemoan, and yes hopefully imprison, the Epsteins among us. But, we need to stop pretending that we aren't at least silently looking in on the party then walking away with a shrug.
10
It doesn't take a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.
Bob Dylan
8
An interesting side note to this breaking news, as of 1:40 p.m. eastern time the Fox News website makes absolutely no mention of the Acosta resignation, however their lead story has to do with some "awful" thing that AOC has done.
18
The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones.
William Shakespeare
11
@kat. Not seeing any good here from anybody.
Hats off to Tim Kaine - the only person to as Acosta about - this disaster - in the confirmation hearing...
15
*Finally* doing the "right thing." Took long enough!!
2
"I hire the best people. I mean, the best and only the best people." DJT
9
Oh, Goody!
We get another acting secretary. With all these actors in Washington, Hollywood must be in a bind for talent to fill their film rosters.
8
Trump proved that he is interested in a diverse cabinet with Acosta’s appointment, as long as they share swampiness and lack of ethics and morality.
9
This is the worst soap opera ever. So Acosta is a "distraction to the administration?" Trump is a distraction to the peace and tranquility of the universe. "It's a very hot White House, folks; people are lining up to work here, folks." Even the mice at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue are looking for a way out. Acosta is another disgrace to humanity who thought he could advance his career by aligning with the horrid Trump crime family. It worked out really well for him. How many episodes left in this tragicomedy?
15
@H. Clark, Can't make this stuff up, right?🤤 It can only happen in this altered universe, right?
1
I've not heard much mention of the time between arrests. That is from 2008 to the present during which time Epstein was allowed to molest , no doubt, countless other young girls. Acosta and his crew we're responsible for the destruction of each of those lives as well and they should be held accountable. One count for each life destroyed.
6
I'd like to say that nothing commended him so much in his public life as the leaving of it, but somehow I just can't.
He makes a point of saying that the Epstein case is twelve years old. He also makes the point (several times) of saying that the economy is great and he doesn't want a twelve year old case to "get in the way" of that economy, or our appreciation of the economy, although I'm not sure I understand either the logic or the correspondence between the two.
Incompetence, stupidity, malfeasance meet incoherence. This is all we know of Trump and all we need to know.
Maybe the threat here isn't just to American democracy but to the English language itself.
9
@crowdancer He was just trying to dangle another shiny object in front of us.
1
Imagine what a disaster this administration would be if trump hadn't hired all the best people in the first place.
7
James Patterson wrote an entire book about this debacle in 2017 titled Filthy Rich, apparently no one was paying attention. Great job, Miami Herald!
9
Acosta's highly questionable ethical and legal actions in this case should be investigated by the Florida Bar.
12
The plot thickens. If anyone is wondering how Epstein might have made his money in the first place, this article describes a fascinating theory as to how he did it.
http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/07/hedge-funders-have-some-thoughts-on-what-epstein-was-doing.html?utm_source=undefined&utm_medium=undefined&utm_campaign=feed-part
9
@Father of One
"Blackmail" masquerading as investment.
It should be noted that Acosta’s record as a federal prosecutor was impressive. He championed minority victims, attacked political fraud and health care fraud, brought many human trafficking cases (and notoriously passed on one) and much more. A Harvard Law School graduate, he was the first Hispanic US Attorney in Miami. It sure seems like he was an able prosecutor. He may have been caught in the middle of something bigger than him.
148
@michjas
Or he may have gotton "older", became more pragmatic when it came to his own political success, and caved to a billionaire who was buddies with the powerful.
88
@michjas That "something bigger than him" needs to be investigated.
112
@michjas...You mean this Harvard grad, such an impressive prosecutor, could not fight being 'caught in something bigger than him'? After he'd previously helped minorities, fought fraud, and brought similar cases to this?
So what if he had prior positives? Protecting women's basic safety against sexual violation didn't count, when up against wealth and power.
How many people, esp minorities, are now wasting away in prison with excessive sentences, for minor infractions, or even nothing, when they didn't have the bail money?
Champions of criminal justice reform can now use this guy as an example of our corrupt system---that various officials participate in.
But many also strongly oppose it and want reform.
Can reform happen after 2020?
88
I wish I had bought shares in the company that’s making “The Best People” merch.
4
Starr and Derchowitz should be shaking too.
16
And Prince Andrew.
4
Acosta allowed himself to be paraded for the walk of shame and deflected by "don't want to take away from the incredible statistics of this economy and job market"...which has little do to with the Dept of Labor...while protecting workers' right does...which he subverts....but that's another story...
To sit there and let Trump spew "He's Hispanic and from Harvard and I didn't fire him, he resigned..."
This the day after he stated "I did nothing wrong given the context of the societal norms way back in 2007..."
Shameful. Shame.
My guess is for falling on the sword he'll be rewarded (bribed) with some no show job lobbying, but really at a minimum he should be disbarred for breaking the law...and additionally he should face criminal liability for having violated the rights of the victims....until prosecutorial/judicial/police misconduct has personal penalties, flagrant disregard of the law and people's right will continue by prosecutors, judges, and cops of this ilk who overcharge the poor and make excuses for the rich...
11
Just almost overnight I hear, 15 girls(?) have come forward. Acosta saw the writing on the wall and knew his continued deflection of responsibility was untenable.
13
Yesterday, Trump raved about Acosta.
Today, Trump said Acosta is stepping down due to his admiration for the Trump administration.
Tomorrow, he'll have never heard of the guy.
24
The Judge who approved Acosta’s criminal plea deal needs to be investigated along with anyone else caught up in this sordid and putrid affair.
16
He was forced out for only one reason: His performance in front of the cameras did not satisfy his employer. He did not attack "the fake news media for creating another phony scandal." He did not accuse Democrats of using him to "bring down the greatest president America has ever known." He did not go after the "vicious, man-hating #metoo movement that has ruined the lives of so many good men without justice." No, Mr. Acosta just wasn't up to the job.
16
Due to the changing climate, it is very difficult to put out wildfires these days.
2
This shows that despite the propaganda campaign about "fake news", the media and public have a lot of power.
As the courageous victims of Epstein and honest prosecutors who've worked to lock him up keep up the pressure, his enablers won't be able to hide.
8
@ say what. yes, working in this Administration is a dead end Street. But don't forget most of these people could not have gotten a job with any decent person or reputable agency. For a lot of them working for Trump was probably " the last house on the block."
10
say what yes but don't forget, most of these people could not have gotten a job anywhere else working for a decent person or reputable agency. working for Trump was probably the last house on the Block
1
Saying "It's the right thing," oh how easily the snake slides out of his skin. But let's not forget that this is only one example of how money corrupts our system of delivering justice. Thank you to the press and the media for shining a light where some would hide.
7
A good CEO knows how to choose his staff and selects those who will help him carry out his mission. There have been more replacements of cabinet officers and White House advisors in this Trump administration than in any other presidency, Barr(sic) none. Every cabinet member replacement is further proof that Trump is not the great businessman he says he is, and his adoring base think he is. In fact Trump is apparently the biggest loser that the Presidency has ever seen. Everyone makes mistakes and has to make corrections. But the Trump administration has not yet followed a rational even course for anything. His appointment of judges from a list given him by conservative Republicans is something the base and the Republican Party are delighted with. But at what cost to the Federal Judiciary and America's rule of law?
7
@RLW
apparently Reagan did pretty well at this as well -- IMO the beginning of the "road" that led to Trump.. The question then becomes what comes after Trump?
Rate the problems: global warming? overpopulation? nuclear proliferation (increased defense spending)? AI? Products mostly mass produced in cheap labor countries? income inequity? an economy based on services and agriculture? too many people in prison and for too long, ETC.
@RLW
"A good CEO knows how to choose his staff and selects those who will help him carry out his mission."
To the extent that DJT's mission is to maximize the power and wealth of DJT, win the adulation of his supporters, and assert his right to do whatever he wants, Constitution be danged, he is right on target.
2
Whether Acosta should have resigned or not, I do not know. However, the reporting on Acosta seems to be that of a political hit-job as a means of demonizing the Trump administration.
This article does not delve into the fact that Epstein had significant working relationships with Democrats. ABC news has reported that Epstein, over the years, has been a prolific donor to Democrats.
Acosta may have had ethical headaches over his association with Epstein; but it should be equally disclosed that Democrats embraced Epstein. The ethical lapses by Democrats need to be equally disclosed.
2
Really? How can you say that? Had that been you in Florida, you or I, we would have gone to jail, and the top cop gives this guy a deal that gives him 6 hours a day in jail, and the rest out, and to add insult to injury, they keep it from the victims, until the deal is done? Wonder if you would feel that way if one of your 15 year old daughters had been one of his victims. This is not a political hit job and any Trump supporter should by now have gotten the memo. Amazing what people seek tolerate for a party, but it changes when it's them.
6
This isn’t about politics, this is about a sick, sexual predator. The fact that Epstein’s life has intersections and similarities with Trump’s is interesting.
6
If Obama had been involved in this, you would have been shouting “lock him up for life”. Think about it.
2
“'He felt the constant drumbeat of press about a prosecution which took place under his watch more than 12 years ago was bad for the Administration, which he so strongly believes in, and he graciously tendered his resignation,” the president wrote in a Twitter post..."
Before the month is out the official version will be that Trump fired Acosta for his poor judgment...
3
Cant wait for the real story -: who paid how much to get this deal for Epstein? How many Miami law enforcement officials, judges, academia, princes, real estate magnates, corporate CEOs, pro sports team owners, VIP types etc. were vulnerable to exposure if Epstein went to jail ? I just suspect there were many more than those already named. Please somebody let the world see their names and ruin their lives as they ruined the lives of these little girls.
6
As the U.S. Attorney in Florida, Acosta would surely have approved the deal with Epstein' attorneys. So his comment about "his attorneys" trying to get the best deal possible at the time to make sure that Epstein goes to jail does not ring true. Jail time for Epstein amounted to sleep time.
The question is what did Acosta get for his approval of this deal? It had to have been something. Money, or something else?
7
If you have a billion dollars - how much would you spend to not die in prison?
What judge could resist the temptation of a five-hundred-million-dollar bribe?
10
Let’s keep this positive momentum going! Now it’s time for everyone to demand the resignation of Cy Vance for similar failures!
Wait, scratch that, I forgot that he’s a democrat. He should stay the course like Northam and Fairfax.
7
@ Mike, liberal Democrats generally are not nearly as hypocritical as Republicans. I’m a liberal who believes in the dream that some day we actually may live under the rule of law. I already have advocated for Vance to resign. Unlike Republicans, I don’t care what party affiliation the wrongdoer is, Republican or Democrat. I didn’t even know he was a Democrat until you mentioned it. That certainly changes nothing for me. The problem here is that we are seeing that we have a two-tiered justice system where people are not equal before the law. My 60 years of experience has taught me that Republicans caught committing crimes and wrongdoing almost never take responsibility for their personal actions whereas Democrats often, but certainly not always, do. Trump and his appointees prove this with every resignation. Never an admission of wrongdoing. This is not a child’s game of tit for tat. The fact that you must make a comment about Vance being a Democrat and therefore no need for him to resign tells me you are a person who does not like being “responsible” for his actions. In my experience that most likely makes you a Republican. Libertarians have seen through the charade of being a Republican and more voters with principles are leaving the Republican Party to join them every year.
6
@Mike
Interesting diversion, but the positive momentum would be to understand Trump's relationship with Epstein and to find out what Trump was doing at his mansion in 2002.
2
Guess what? Their party doesn’t matter!
2
The Epstein plea deal speaks to Acosta's incompetence and that is why I am happy to see him go.
5
“I haven’t spoken to him in 15 years or more. I wasn’t a big fan of Jeffrey Epstein, that I can tell you,” [Trump] said.
Trump can (and has) said many things. They were lies then; they remain lies today.
13
It was only a matter of time, glad it came sooner rather than later. On the negative side, Trump will probably choose yet another interim secretary, rather than vetting the appointment. He claimed earlier that he likes that better, probably because no other person gets to review his choice that way.
7
People calling for a prosecution of a former federal prosecutor because he didn't agree to a tough enough plea deal in one case a decade back (that probably have been a state D.A.'s case to begin with) are living in a deranged fantasy world.
Not only would it be unprecedented, it would backfire in terms of progressive calls to go easy on criminal defendants.
If prosecutors don't throw the book at defendants, we jail the prosecutors?
1
Propose the following to Trump supporters: if you were contemplating an investment in a corporation that had experienced a turnover of 66 high profile managerial positions in the executive offices, all within three years, would you really pull the trigger? That's your Executive Branch of the U.S. government. Full disclosure required.
11
“He felt the constant drumbeat of press about a prosecution which took place under his watch more than 12 years ago was bad for the Administration, which he so strongly believes in, and he graciously tendered his resignation,” the president wrote in a Twitter post.
I'll lay any amount of money Trump didn't write that himself. It's too literate and well expressed. The rhythm of the style is totally unlike him, plus, "graciously" is a word he never uses or even thinks.
Anyway, thanks, "press," and especially the Times, for that constant drumbeat. Keep on comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable.
10
Shock! I tell you I am shocked that Acosta resigned. Never saw that coming!
4
I will send my resume. I am capable, able and have worked in Labor for almost 30 years. Jobs creation, Business Engagement, Accountability for schools taking Federal monies from students and Grants from the Government directly, helping ex offenders re entering the labor force, talking with the Business Community, serious retraining for those that lost their jobs due to automation or outsourcing, are all my strengths. I can work differently than the entrenched since I have never been a Politician. I can work as a Deputy in a support role too.I can help the Labor Department move forward and in the right directions.
4
@This just in
Too bad -- overqualified.
4
@This just in
You not the type we’re looking for.
And you’re overqualified
4
@This just in
Does your resume include how much are you going to donate (or have donated ) to the RNC? Are you listed as an NRA member? Pro-life? All of that 'trumps' the actual job experience.
1
Just how Epstein made all his money is inexplicable, what seems likely is that Epstein forced these underage girls to have sex with rich and powerfully connected men who he then blackmailed into investing with him and protecting him from prosecution.
The dam is about to break wide open.
21
This makes me shudder but it seems highly likely that you are on the right track.
4
@JJ.
You’re so right. The dam, we hope, is about to break open.
Let’s hope all the “lawyers”, members of the “justice” department and all who abetted this creep are named, too.
I believe these little girls who say they were forced to have sex with at least one(?) infamous attorney and God knows how many other “men”, rich and famous, of course!
Name everyone. Now.
3
What a collection of troubling embarrassment this man has amassed to stock his swamp.
Still wondering if, when America's Nightmare said he only hired "the best" he actually meant to say he only hired "the beast".
Then again, maybe it was his short stubbies that caused a typo.
Is it 2020 yet?
5
I LOVE the smell of justice in the morning!!
Now get Ghislaine.
And let's get Terry Richardson while we're at it!
5
Let us hope white male privilege isn't allowed to continue to protect pedophiles and other sexual predators and criminals!
4
Could Alexander please take Wilbur with him?
12
I'm glad he decided to step aside. Regardless of his decision in the Epstein case (and while I question it, I'm not a lawyer and don't know all the facts), he's right that this is a distraction from the Department of Labor's mission. I hope that the Senate can approve a qualified replacement soon - DOL deserves better than a temporary Secretary, and American workers need an advocate in the White House (even if we are unlikely to get one).
3
A good portion of the administration has been fired, quit, or in jail. Now we just need to get rid of the "acting" president, the worst of the lot.
8
@Haldon - Do you really think Trump is able or willing to produce a qualified replacement?
4
@DR
Yes, me.
The real issue is why Epstein was not prosecuted by tue US Attorney’s Office. There could have been favors exchanged, which would have been illegal. Acosta and all the big shot defense attorneys need to be investigated.
12
Who was the judge that signed off on the shameful plea deal. NO deal goes through without a judge's approval. So who was it ? What was the judge's background and affiliations ? Acosta has culpability in bringing the deal forward. Wouldn't it be of interest to know ?
22
@Art Silverstein
Excellent points.
Furthermore, we continue to hear how Epstein was sentenced to 18 months and spent just 13 months in a private wing of a county jail. He was allowed to leave for work 12 hours a day, six days a week.
Anyone in the field of investigative journalsim want to get to the bottom of how the above happened and who allowed it to happen? It had zero to do with Acosta'a deal.
It is Florida law that any sentence over 12 months be spent in state prison...not county jail.
922.051 Imprisonment in county jail, term of 1 year or less.—When a statute expressly directs that imprisonment be in a state prison, the court may impose a sentence of imprisonment in the county jail if the total of the prisoner’s cumulative sentences is not more than 1 year.
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=1+year+jail&URL=0900-0999/0922/Sections/0922.051.html
2
Not that he was a paragon of excellence or anything but we now have to brace for another bottom feeder "acting" labor secretary who will seek to wreck the few labor laws we still have on the books.
The downward spiral, backed by die hard Trump supporters continues...
14
These people don’t go to jail. Again...these people don’t go to jail. Eight bank executives bring down the economy and they give us Bernie Madoff and Martha Stewart. This guy will use the Trump defense, “I didn’t do it”, (he strongly said he didn’t do it and I can’t see why he would) and he’ll skate. These people don’t go to jail.
16
The question that should be asked is who pressured Acosta to meet privately with Epstein's lawyers, who are the rich and powerful who are connected to Epstein's trafficing schemes and had ties with the FBI then; did the governor's office in Florida play any part in this matter or someone heavily connected to politicians; did any money pass under the table to keep this quiet; how many other lawyers were playing a part on behalf of Epstein's customers; was Acosta threatened himself to cave this way? The Spider web is hug and Congress needs to start investigating the JUSTICE DEPARTMENT.
Media needs to start digging than just going around the merry go round and ask WHY..Who, what, when, where and Why..remember your journalism training?
Thanks to the Miami Herald who knows how to do investigative journalism right and all the other local newspapers. Hooray for the Free Press.
11
@nightfall
Hope someone goes after all the porno pals - co-conspirators.
Will be an amazing list of Whose Who... (and you-know-who will be at the top of the list).
Also, why was debacle not called and charged as - child abuse and statutory rape - in the first place?
4
What saddens me is that Acosta, his former office SDFL, the Manhattan DA office, DOJ & and the FBI, all would appear to know why this happened and everyone is still silent years later.
What happened to allow this man to get the sweetheart deal he got?
Mr. Acosta, you can still tell us the truth.
13
@OnlyinAmerica
How is it that his prison sentence allowed him to go to work? Most people charged with his crimes are locked up and only get to go home after their sentence is served. Then it's home confinement, which doesn't allow people to work for family members, etc.
And why didn't he have to register his residences in the sex offender registry?
6
What's needed now is a thorough investigation by the FBI into who used Epstein's "service." With Barr "un-recusing" himself, I doubt that will be allowed to happen. Hopefully the press will take up the slack.
9
Grandpa Bob, inquiring minds need to know right? Maybe Barr will unrecuse-recuse himself if its found out if there were foul connections between Barr's father and Epstein at that exclusive private school? Or did Barr have a friendship or any dealings with Epstein during that time? They surely crossed paths...
Another "acting" Cabinet member today.
It can't be Trump's fault that he was unable to even remotely hire the "brightest and the best".
It's the fault of the "deep state" or the "radical left" or maybe the Democrats that kept the stable genius from attracting talent to his Cabinet.
3
Trump: "I wasn’t a big fan of Jeffrey Epstein, that I can tell you".
I believe you, Donald. I mean, what was Epstein? Just a rich guy with a taste for young girls. Not like you at all.
25
If that lie-fest on Wednesday was the best case he could put forward then he was never going to last through a House testimony. Or any other future interviews.
Good riddance.
8
Epstein isn't the only one accused of sexual assault.
13
“This was him, not me,” Mr. Trump said, adding that Mr. Acosta has been a “great, great secretary” and a “tremendous talent” who is “a Hispanic man. He went to Harvard, a great student.”
Mr. Trump is the rare public official who has the ability to make the targets of his laudatory comments wince almost as often as the targets of his more vicious comments.
18
You’ll be able to count on one hand how many religious conservatives change their vote because of this. It turns out that supporting your “team” matters more than child sexual abuse. Wait, isn’t that the motto of the Catholic Church?
Anyone, including Trump and Bill Clinton, who associated with Epstein and had any knowledge of what he was doing should be ridden out of town.
17
@Baldwin
They didn't vote for Clinton, and Trump's limited involvement at this point is mostly a problem for his critics.
1
@AACNY Knowledge of a crime without reporting it can be a crime in some circumstances. But for a future president and ex-president to have such knowledge and not report it speaks to their character and to their fitness for office as the chief law enforcement officer of the United States.
2
@AACNY
The exception would that Trump was friends with terrific guy Epstein for 15 years back in NY. I bet Jeffrey even had Donald over to his mansion a few limited times.
3
Could it be that Epstein bribed a few people?
9
@Joe Canepa
More like extorted.
There are reasons to get powerful men to bed children aside from winning their favor. I suggest you watch "Hollywood Confidential" to see how this kind of grift can work for generations and take over an entire city. That busted triangle of police, tabloid press and LA wretchedness flipped a mayor and a police chief out of office in LA.
It was beyond fiction. I'd love to see a re-run of Mayor Shaw's ejection. He tried to blow up his pressing nemesis, Harry Raymond, ace private detective.
I will set the record straight again. They found "child pornography," not "lewd photographs. " Please use the correct term.
22
This was him, not me,” Mr. Trump said, adding that Mr. Acosta has been a “great, great secretary” and a “tremendous talent” who is “a Hispanic man. He went to Harvard, a great student.” Taking two steps away from him while praising him in weird language. Why "a Hispanic man". Is that relevant?
18
@BB It's the first thing I asked myself. This man is so inept that I cannot believe this is real.
4
@Carol
That's what everyone who went into business with him said right before the whole thing went bust. Donald is a Long Con Johnny.
1
1. It WAS you, Mr. Trump. You fired Acosta.
2. What does being Hispanic have to do with
anything?
3. If Trump thinks this will end his link to
Epstein he's mistaken.
4. Acosta should now be disbarred since he
broke the law.
37
Interesting that everyone who knew exactly who Epstein was and what he had been charged with is suddenly up in arms about him. Why didn't NYS Sen. Schumer demand his resignation sooner? Looks like a lot of late scrambling to feign concern when it clearly wasn't a concern for many politicians before this.
1
Acosta was a prosecutor in another state prior to arriving in DC, and therefore had no purview over Acosta's career. Schumer never elevated Acosta to cabinet level status, your criminal president did.
23
51 republican senators voted for Acosta for labor secretary. Zero defections and they used their power to bully 8 democrats up for re-election in Trump dominant states
This stain is entirely in republican complicity and you can’t wash that off with deflection. But good try.
19
Deidre,
These people will say anything to deflect from their support of a president who was recorded volunteering that he sexually assaults women. Trump supporters don’t disapprove of him for that, let’s be clear—they just know the optics are bad so they point their fingers every other direction and shriek.
3
Finally. His name has been associated with this miscarriage of justice for quite some time now. I guess it takes the Miami Herald to drain the swamp.
754
@Questioning Everything
Well, let's be honest here. Miami is practically surrounded by water. They have had their share of tropical storms, hurricanes, and other water-related devastation. Who better than a Miamian to follow this story, uncover what laid in those sunken treasure chests but a wealth of information, documentation, and one sharp lady who is was not afraid of the water or getting soaked or of very hard work.
Ms. Brown is one heck of a great reporter. My compliments and my sincere gratitude for all that she has done and accomplished.
55
@Questioning Everything
stop it please!
he hires the best people for his smooth running machine
11
@Questioning Everything Except that the roseate spoonbills in the Everglades have higher moral standards than this administration and they're less likely than this administration to destroy the world.
12
Acosta's resignation is welcome but should not distract from further investigation of other law enforcement individuals complicit in the original plea deal and those who were shielded
from prosecution by it
757
@interossiter. I agree. All those involved should be looked at. Either all were lazy or someone got a pay day.
24
@interossiter,
Including Democrats like Cyrus Vance who supported a reduced offender status for Epstein.
It should be clear, to anyone with a brain, that a whole host of officials from both parties did their best to protect Epstein.
11
@interossiter
I totally agree. Another reason why for the first time I left my ballot blank when Cyrus Vance was the only candidate on it last time he was up for re-election. Any elected official who can be bought should not be in office.
Acosta most likely resigned to avoid an humiliating and self incriminating appearance before Congress. He still needs to be investigated and held to account for his actions.
894
@PaulM
Totally agree! The last thing Trump would want is Acosta being questioned by Congress and possibly implicating Trump in any way. This is Trump trying to shut it down !
77
@PaulM
Agreed. No, resignation is not enough when you broke the law, just because you're a wealthy well-connected male. The new rallying cry for all court proceedings should be the prosecutor's quote this week,
"What if he were a plumber from Queens?"
58
@Erik
"and self incriminating "
my guess is it isn't [limited to] himself that further inquiry will incriminate---this might be why he was rewarded with a Trump cabinet appointment
21
Wow this self-described stable genius president has bad luck hiring, what did he call them... oh yeah, the "best and the brightest" cabinet members! Astonishingly poor judgement continues by this astonishingly poor president.
1201
@mark
And to think he got famous for a "reality" show in which he was portrayed as a genius at finding and hiring the right people.
87
Actually, if anyone’s been paying the least bit of attention to this clown over the past 30 years, it’s not astonishing at all.
186
@mark. Goes to show that what works in a private company has no bearing whatsoever on how to get government to function well. What’s truly pathetic are the numbers of people who still support this President in spite of two and a half years of chaotic “governance.”
90
Where is prosecutorial discretion? We don’t know, nor should we be entitled to know, what was behind the decision Acosta made as US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. Is every decision made by a prosecutor, every sentence handed down by a judge, to be analyzed and tweeted about in the court of public opinion? This will bring justice to a standstill. Acosta may well have determined that at least some of the “victims” were under age prostitutes who would have made poor witnesses at any trial. He is entitled to that and similar determinations. That is why we have professional prosecutors. Everyone need not agree but the result is a system, however imperfect, that functions.
4
@PoppaeaSabina
By definition, no one under age can be a prostitute. By definition, they are rape victims. Acosta even said that in his press conference. Substitute "rape victims" in your narrative of defense and see how it plays back.
Good luck standing by a guy who let a continuing child rapist, one on a massive scale, and broke the law in doing so, essentially walk free. You'll be real popular at cocktail parties with that line.
A "functioning" justice system that doesn't produce justice, isn't functioning.
39
Acosta’s deal broke well-established law, because he kept it secret from the victims who had a legal right to know. This was not a simple error of prosecutorial discretion.
18
@PoppaeaSabina - Why did you put the word victims in quotes? These were children who were sexually abused, they were indeed victims.
10
So now we're going to be stuck with someone more effective at dismantling labor protections? Great...
Dems need to be better at recognizing incompetent/stooge cabinet members and leaving them in place. When the Republican goal is to destroy cherished progressive institutions, it's better to have a worthless placeholder in office than someone who can rend apart already delicate institutions...
27
@Myles
'Dems need to be better at recognizing incompetent/stooge cabinet members and leaving them in place.'
They have to win first, and they're a long way from that.
3
@Myles Oh yes, by all means. The Republicans in the White House, aided and abetted by Republicans in Congress, debase our government, shred our constitution and stack our courts. But somehow- SOMEHOW you are going to blame the Democrats. Gotcha.
28
@Myles
Democrats need to REPLACE GOP politicians all over this great country... Until then, nothing for the "people" will happen, only the filthy rich.
14
It's revenge that doesn't fix anything. If it only diffuses anger and our desire for justice then it's counter-productive. Epstein, his co-conspirators and all of their enablers must face justice.
1
And once again, all roads lead to...sorry, through Trump.
11
This is all political theatre. Epstein is a protected man. Protected by government officials and the media for well over a decade. Need evidence?
Dec. 7th, 2007: “The Fantasist - By Philip Weiss”
“When I (Weiss) said we were interested in the agony of his (Epstein’s) ordeal” http://nymag.com/news/features/41826/
Evidently, an in-depth article on the “agony of Epstein’s ordeal" took precedence over the agony of the victims ordeal.
From the same 2007 nymag article:
““He has never been secretive about the girls,” Wolff (Fire and Fury Fame) says. “At one point, when his troubles began, he was talking to me and said, ‘What can I say, I like young girls.’ I said, ‘Maybe you should say, ‘I like young women.’ ”
Evidently, Wolff felt the proper course of action was to advise Epstein on his verbiage rather than report him to authorities.
December of 2010, after Epsteins "jail" time was up:
"On the evening of December 2nd, 2010, a handful of America's media and entertainment elite—including TV anchors Katie Couric and George Stephanopoulos, comedienne Chelsea Handler, and director Woody Allen—convened around the dinner table of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein." https://www.realclearpolitics.com/2011/04/02/celebs_close_ranks_around_a_pedophile_253121.html
5
@John
If they can get everyone to focus on Trump (the shiny object) and profess concern now, they might be able to skate by and evade notice.
1
Smokescreen. Here's the kicker.
"Mr. Trump praised Mr. Acosta’s accomplishments, citing strong employment numbers, many in the business community, normally an ally of Republican-appointed labor secretaries, had grown weary of Mr. Acosta. Employer groups and management-side lawyers complained that he had moved too slowly to tilt overtime pay and employer liability policies in a more laissez-faire direction."
*Employer groups and management-side lawyers* - NOT the victims. Precisely why we need a more people-responsive administration beginning with the election of Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren.
7
Acosta resignation is not enough. His financials need to be investigated, which may show bribes he might have taken. Also, he should be prosecuted for deliberately setting aside extensive reports related to the case. The victims should file a lawsuit against Acosta for injustice and pain caused to them. Who knows who will be caught in the net.
8
What should we make of Trump's (admiring) comment comment about Epstein's success with women?--"many of them are on the younger side." Does this suggest Trump knew of Epstein's connection with underage girls? Should the President be questioned about what he knew and why he didn't report the criminal trafficking/abuse of girls? Would anyone else commenting thus be interviewed, interrogated, or charged with complicity?
10
I know there is so much more to parse in this disturbing story, but all I can focus on at the moment is the president's few supportive words about Acosta: he's Hispanic, went to Harvard where he was a great student, and was a great, great secretary. Extraordinary orator, our president.
7
Let the SDNY take down Epstein. Then let the SDNY set their sites on Trump. I don't think the votes are there for impeachment. Trump will contest the 2020 election if he doesn't win because he knows the SDNY will be waiting for him with criminal charges. Vote vote vote vote.
15
Someone resigned because of their connection to Epstein! Oh wait, wrong one.
12
Show of hands (since that’s a thing again) of people weirded out by DJT’s mention of Mr. Acosta being Hispanic and attending Harvard.
Is this Mr. Trump somehow suggesting that progressives don’t care about Hispanics or education or what?
Shaking my head here. You gotta give it to Trump. He certainly works all the angles.
13
Good riddance.
Now let’s find out why he cut a sweetheart deal and who pressured him, and who they are protecting. There is a lot to this story and the American people need to know.
And why are Epstein’s known accomplices skating when their roles are well known?
11
Apparently Trump was not closely involved or he would have defended Acosta for weeks. On the other hand, Democrat Cyrus Vance, wanted Acosta to get a light sentence or no sentence, and no registration as a sex offender.
4
Really? We’re gonna play the dem vs repub game? It doesn’t matter. All of them need to go.
8
I think you mean Epstein not Acosta.
1
What is fully on display here is that Acosta’s resignation comes from how this played in the media, not whether his actions were right, wrong, moral, immoral.
Had Acosta taken a few acting lessons, he would likely still be in office. When confronted with his role, he needed Kavanaugh like fury, indignation, a few fought back tears. That plays well in Peoria.
12
The best people. Don't worry. Roy Moore is running again.
Trump didn't have to worry about Acosta impacting his re-election. The people that support him don't care about people that molest children.
But do love how he absolutely stands behind his people (tee hee). Maybe when he leaves the presidency he can give business classes in loyalty?
4
Hooray! Another one of the swamp creatures gone!
4
Chalk one up for common decency.
Republicans are becoming the party of sexual assailants, child sexual predators, spouse abusers and their defenders. I am stunned by how quiet they all are, especially the so-called Christians.
21
OK, Epstein needs to be prosecuted and then he can sing about the whole scam to get out of jail without paying for his crimes.
Acosta needs to have his license revoked. He should be pressured to sign too. He can work in a fast food restaurant. Or the prison cafeteria.
The Democrats need to start going after these guys. Trump can pardon both of them but Trump cannot prevent them from losing their licenses and being hounded into oblivion.
Wanna reclaim democracy? Push your representatives to keep the pressure even after they're gone from office. Otherwise they'll just go back to their old ways.
15
Investigative reporters need to track down ALL the details of the "sweet heart deal" Acosta gave Epstein. In particular, is there any truth to Acosta's statement regarding the Florida state prosecutor letting Epstein walk? (The cynic in me suspects both Acosta and the recent letter from Florida state prosecutor). I suspect Acosta got keys to a safety deposit box somewhere offshore back in 2008, but he is innocent until proven guilty.
Investigative reporters need to track down what Mueller knew at the time. Mueller was Director of FBI, and FBI was full tilt in the investigation. I suspect Mueller "looked the other way" but he also is innocent until proven guilty.
By "investigative reporters" I don't mean drive-by media quoting other drive-by media.
6
Julie K. Brown and the Miami Herald deserves a Pulitzer for her unflagging work on this story and the Herald for putting resources behind her so she could pursue it.
29
I've done a lot of reading on the Epstein case lately and in doing so looked back at Acosta's history. I don't know what pressures ultimately shaped the plea outcome but I have read enough positive things about the man to respect him as a man and a prosecutor. I'm not saying there wasn't a perversion of justice here just that a lot of factors were at play, some known some probably unknown. Automatically painting Acosta as the scapegoat seems intellectually lazy and oblivious to how malleable our legal system is, which effects all participants regardless of how honorable the may or may not be.
2
@Chris Woll - Sure, why let dozens of sexually abused children tarnish an otherwise great career.
Do you hear yourself?
6
Please take a moment to reread my comment, that's not the point I'm trying to make at all. He's definitely a cog in the machine that delivered this unacceptable and illegal plea deal. But he's not the only part and a careful and close examination of the parts and the whole machine is warranted instead of just blaming one person.
And yes as hard as it is for some to understand I believe a persons work should be taken as a whole where past actions and other character defining actions count towards assessing whether somebody is a "good" or "Bad" at their job.
Separately, life is nuanced and the legal system adds another level of nuance. I know that in a perfect world justice is blind but if one believes that justice is in fact blind I would suggest that person is blind to the truth as imperfect as that truth may be.
Acosta must still be disbarred, so that he can never practice law again.
There must be some punishment for a lawyer lying about his own actions.
He should not be allowed to be appear in public without the introduction as the former Secretary who resigned in disgrace, after lying about his actions regarding the his handling of the Epstein case, and who was disbarred for his lies.
9
Acosta says there was no guarantee of a guilty verdict so a plea agreement was preferable.
One assumes that there is never any guarantee of a guilty verdict in any case so, based on his comment, prosecutors should always accept a deal no matter how bad.
I think many would disagree with this but what is interesting is that Nancy Pelosi has said that the Dems in the House won't seek impeachment, which is essentially the same as an indictment, until there is 100% certainty the Senate will convict. And as a sitting president can't be charged with a crime in the judicial system, the impeachment process is the only similar way to charge a president.
So essentially she's agreeing with what Acosta claims: no indictment unless a conviction is an absolute certainty.
6
@Steve, I think your point, on the face of it, is entirely valid, but suggest that the stakes are vastly different in the two cases.
4
After the NYT published its expose on the legally questionable means that the Trump children succeeded to the wealth of the patriarch Fred Trump, an ethics inquiry was opened concerning Trump’s sister, Federal Judge Maryanne Trump. She chose to retire from the Judiciary, ending the inquiry.
Had Acosta not thrown in the towel, he would have to spend the rest of his tenure speciously defending an indefensible disposition of the Epstein affair. His 2008 decision looks bad today; putting it under a microscope of Justice Department, Congressional, press and judicial examination will reveal it’s true malignancy.
Acosta may think that by resigning he has removed himself from the controversy.
This President certainly thinks that he matter is closed, the past is sanitized by
the current Epstein prosecution. Whether by individual litigation, investigative reporting or state law enforcement inquiry, the scrutiny must continue. The process of dual justice systems for the well connected and everyone else must be exposed and ended.
11
Your listing of the 12 cabinet members who were "fired, resigned, or forced out" reminds me of what British schoolchildren learn about the six wives of Henry VIII, to help them keep those women straight: "annulled, beheaded, died, annulled, beheaded, survived." Trump is far, far ahead of Henry in choosing so unwisely, isn't he? Of course, the difference between Trump's and Henry's outcomes is that none of Trump's horribly inappropriate cabinet choices deserves any of our sympathy.
10
@Mary Carmela, PA
Love the wives. Interestingly, Catherine Parr, the last (survived), married No. 3 Jane Seymour's brother, Thomas, and then died as a result of childbirth, as Jane did. No. 4 (Anne of Cleeves) outlived them all.
The symmetry is perfect. -- thegamesmenplay.com
Let us know when people start going to jail. I am almost under the illusion that we are a nation of men, not laws.
14
Did Acosta on his own agree to the lenient plea deal for Epstein.
Did someone higher up approve the deal.
If so who?
If so why?
I may be cynical but these questions demand answers.
18
@david
"If so why?"
That's the million dollar question.
Bigshots in the USA and Across the Pond have been connected to Epstein - perhaps that's why it all went away with a sweetheart deal?
If Epstein has videos of these bigshots doing illegal things to these young girls (which a perv like him would undoubtedly have kept as little trophies and mementos) then we will see corruption on a scale never seen before.
If you had a billion dollars, how much would you spend to stay out of prison? Can a judge withstand the temptation of a hundred-million-dollar bribe?
1
It's not that Acosta did anything wrong. Of course not. But this media attention has become a distraction from the important work being done at the Dept. of Labor (stripping workers' rights and protections, and so forth), so he is resigning for the good of the country.
13
They should just put in a revolving door for Trumps staff.
9
Mr Acosta,
This is not the end of this story.
This is just *the beginning* of this story.
You don’t get off by just jumping ship.
You will pay dearly.
And AG Barr, it is very likely you too will rue the day you poked your nose into this administrations business.
21
It truly is amazing to see all the criminal element this president is affiliated with. Ironic, how republicans yelled and screamed each time President Obama took a step, criticized because he didn’t cow-tow to them. And here we have Trump, their guy! Utterly amazing how not a one comes out to even comment, say we need to investigate. They have what we will call selective mutism. Sounds good. ShSh- there sleeping. Dozens for one reason or another resigned, fired of his appointments. He certainly knows a lot of low life guys and gals. But wait I’m sure there will be more.
27
It might be a 12-year-old case to Trump and Acosta, but I guarantee the victims feel like it was yesterday.
65
Trump drained the swamp all right.
13
That Trump claims he did not push him out is laughable. The recent controversy of Acosta's handling of the Epstein case was likely just a convenient excuse to get rid of someone that was not as hard line as Trump wanted. As evidence consider that Kellyanne Conway has clearly violated the law in using her position for improper purposes and yet Trump does nothing about it since he likes her.
14
Would bet money that Huckabee-Sanders is glad she resigned so she wouldn’t have to not communicate on this whole mess.
10
@JMH Sigh. She wouldn't have had to communicate on this or anything, since she didn't hold press briefings.
4
Inquiring minds want to know:
-what quid pro quo did Acosta get for letting Epstein off so easily?
-why would the Trump administration see Acosta as a viable candidate for labor secretary, given his track record in the Epstein case?
Follow the money, folks. Just follow the money and see where it goes.
26
Sitting on a bench in the shade trying to enjoy a nice breeze and the fountain in the small lake in front of me. Turns out all I can think about is the fact that our president literally has no redeeming qualities. Oh well, time to get back on my bike and see if I can’t ride the Trump blues away.
35
@Zed18 I agree completely. I see no decent qualities in Trump. I have never observed a person before who is so totally wrapped up in himself and his mental disease seems to be getting worse.
11
@Zed18
I share your sentiment of the Trump blues. I have found being kind to others as a surprisingly effective antidote . It never fails. I am finding the only way to get through these times of cruelty by humans towards other humans, is being kind to others. Hope you had a great ride.
8
All those Republican Senators who approved of Acosta's appointment need to apologize to the American people for what they did.
20
@mungomunro
Good luck with that one. Our only recourse is to vote them out of office!
6
@mungomunro Let's not forget he got seven shameful D votes; it's not like they were unaware of this Epstein thing even then! Those still in Congress need to be PRIMARIED!!!
Catherine Cortez Masto (NV)
Heidi Heitkamp (ND)
Joe Manchin (WV)
Claire McCaskill (MO)
Bob Menendez (NJ)
Bill Nelson (FL)
Jon Tester (MT)
Mark Warner (VA)
9
I wouldn’t hold your breath on that idea.
5
Of all the people in all the places, why hand Acosta the cabinet position in the first place? One can only imagine...
10
“ He’s a Hispanic man” Anyone want to try to interpret that observation from dt ? What an idiot. Glad he is gone now we’ll get another one that’s worse. Only the best people you know.
29
Noticed that, too. Trump was trying to get points for hiring “one of the good ones.” Also noticed Acosta trying to dismiss this as a “12 year old case” when clearly the charges have been reopened. Good riddance!
8
It’s deliberate. He’s demonstrating the model minority myth.
5
Acosta: "The right thing is to step aside"....it's taken since 2008 for Acosta to determine what "the right thing" looked like. He was unable to see the humanity in the young girls caught up in this repugnant mess. To most balanced people it is a visceral feeling. Just considering the faces and words of the characters like Epstein, Acosta, Barr, Spitzer, Weinstein et al would cause one's skin to creep off of their body. Trump seems the very amalgam of this feeling as the country is having its moral and ethical stripped from it.
20
Doesn’t it seem like it was only yesterday that Mr. Trump was saying what a great job Acosta was doing? Oh, right, it was just yesterday!
16
‘For criminals and by criminals’ seems to be the moto of the Trump White House.
If you listened to Alexander Acosta’s press conference yesterday, you would have seen a master lier and master deflector at work.
At the end of the conference, I was left thinking that Acosta was actually blaming the victims. You would have thought that he had nothing to do to with the exoneration of Epstein. His “sentence” was at the local police station and then allowed to leave for 12 hours per day to go to his office to work.
Epstein received no jail sentence for all practical purposes. He should have received 75 years.
Alexander Acosta needs to be in jail for enabling such hideous case of sexual predation and sex trafficking. And Epstein needs to be jail with him.
23
I don’t think America will hold together for 10 more years.
The conservative drive to corrupt the country cannot be stopped short of war or the secession of liberal states.
18
And the sooner the better! I’m in more agreement that the USA has become too big, too divided; let Trumpland wallow on its own and the blue states thrive.
5
What’s next? Will there be more charges based on the evidence and thousands of photos that were found in Epstein’s safe. It makes one wonder if his safe was similar to David Pecker’s, full of damaging information to certain persons.
11
The swamp fills up faster than it can be drained.
I thought the swamp was the size of a basketball court,
now I realize the swamp is the size of Texas.
20
Donald Trump gave Alexander Acosta his perp walk on the South Lawn today.
3
Donald Trump called him a great man. Listen to the language. He should never have been hired.
8
I'd like to think that Acosta's wife watched his first presser and was disgusted by his excuses for not putting a pedophile away and then reminded him that they have two young girls -- the kind who were sexually trafficked and assaulted by Epstein. I'd like to think she told him that he disgusted her and that he should resign and try to regain his moral compass if he ever had one because otherwise she was going to divorce him and take the girls with her.
18
@Amanda Bonner
I'd like to think so too, but a lack of empathy is a pre-requisite for an appointment by Donald Trump. As long as it's not his kids, he doesn't care. However, I would like to know what Mrs. Acosta is thinking right now.
5
There must be more to this. Trump does not care about sexual abuse and he loves to defend his people that his liberal enemies attack. So why cave on this? Something is fishy.
23
@Jim T
Trump hopes that firing Acosta will save Trump from further damage and more spotlight on Epstein's dirt about Trump.
Trump is a heavily compromised human being.
17
Let it be said in fairness to Acosta that no man is more loyal and protective of sexual outlaws than the President is.
22
I wonder if the seized images from Epstein include some of the white men that we have heard about as partying with Epstein.
15
@Technic Ally
Bingo. That's who Acosta was covering up for. Not Epstein. No one cares (or cared) about Epstein. It's the others. (Trump? Clinton?)
7
And the relevance of "He's a Hispanic man"? This man simply does not get it. Our President does. not. get. it. Let that sink in.
37
Trump is playing into the “model minority” myth. In essence he is saying, “here is an example of a proper, Hispanic person.” Once again he’s distinguishing “good” minorities (those who go to Harvard) from “bad” ones (those who illegally cross the border).
9
“a Hispanic man. He went to Harvard, a great student.”
Talk about blatantly bigoted non sequiturs!
43
It’s directly from the Steve Bannon/Stephen Miller playbook. Distinguish the “good” Hispanics from the “bad” ones. It’s called the model minority myth and it’s designed to pit people against each other who might otherwise align.
9
My biggest bone of contention-
How many people commenting on this latest Trump fiasco actually voted for this dictator- Trump.
I weep for what has become of my native country.
37
@RLM
well said. I'm frightened by those who don't see it
8
@mary
Me Too!!
3
Indeed, the right thing was to step aside. When you get caught, that's always the right thing to do. But when one door closes, another opens. If Roy Moore fails in his quest to make Alabama great again, there's a vacancy.
12
This is just another episode in the story of the wealthy who enable each other's behavior and clearly believe they are all above the law. The law is for the poor, the unfortunate, the unlucky -- those who don't have family money for protection.
24
So we’ll have another acting secretary. The whole administration is a bunch of actors. What happened to “I know the best people” campaign promise about appointments?
11
@frostbitten
But the mean House wouldn't confirm them.
Some soul-selling attorney found this workaround and they are using it to the max.
1
@Greater Metropolitan Area
Sorry, I meant the Senate.
1
I hope that everywhere, people, especially young people, will read the work of Julie Brown and understand that each person has the potential to do the right thing and to speak truth to power.
Julie Brown did not come from a background of privilege. She succeeded through hard work, her intelligence, her persistence, her courage, her belief that these young women had suffered a terrible injustice and her determination to tell their stories. She did not stand down. All of the wealth, privilege, connection— none of it could silence her. She used her personal strengths and training in journalism to speak for all of those girls who were preyed upon, ignored, given false assurances, and saw their lives left in tatters by a monster and his enablers.
I pray that Acosta’s resignation is just one of the many dominoes that will begin to topple as a result of Julie Brown’s amazing, fearless reporting. I hope that young journalists will be inspired by her example and never give up. And I pray that all of the girls who have been victimized will find their way forward, to bring justice and especially some peace for themselves.
60
Totally agree. It took tremendous courage and fortitude for Brown to forge ahead. You know she took all kinds of heat along the way. This is an important lesson. This kind of societal change doesn’t come easily. Apple carts have to be flipped over and people have to put their neck on the line. She is a warrior.
13
In all fairness, if epstein’s relationship with Trump is going to be scrutinized (which would be fine with me,) his relationship with former President Clinton might deserve to be looked at, too. True, he’s not the current pres, but in the name of exposing corruption all around.
I’m a die-hard liberal but when it comes to this level of favor-granting and all-out corruption, I’d like to see it nailed wherever it is.
32
I’m sure all relationship will be scrutinized but the president will point his finger at the others and will not take responsibility for his own actions. He will, just as in the past scream “fake news” and his supporters will continue follow him.
9
@Anglican
I agree with you 100%. But keep in mind, Clinton is a former president. Trump is the current president and he is running for re-election. This is where the scrutiny is more relevant and needed.
12
@Anglican
me too. I voted for Clinton but he's not immune just because he is a Dem. If he is involved in this he too should be held accountable.
13
Bill Barr will also be forced out.
Maybe not immediately, but eventually.
Barr overreached in his ambition near the end of his career and like so many underestimated his ability to deal with Donald.
9
@Baba May your prediction be granted! The sooner, the better.
8
@Baba
Never going to happen. Just because you can draw lines between two people on a chart in your head doesn't mean they are legitimate connections.
2
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry at the never-ending torrent of corruption. It makes your head spin; forget about trying to keep track of it. This is stranger than fiction.
And here’s the really shocking thing: you just know that all of it is just the tip of the iceberg – the full extent of which we will never see, nor will anyone ever be held accountable for. This is not some aberration but standard procedure for how our government, legal system and economy work day in and day out. Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely - but in America, who cares?
And the uber symbol of it all: the President of the United States. Makes you want to move to Canada.
29
@Michael
You will be welcome here!
When any republican, let alone a member of Trump's cabinet, says "The right thing was to step aside," you KNOW there's a mountain of ugliness that they're desperately hoping doesn't get uncovered.
20
The "Acting" Presidency continues. 2020 please hurry.
17
Trump supporters turn a blind eye to such obvious bad behavior of this administration and the type of people working for Trump.Even so called Christians .
How can they keep saying it’s a good economy and unemployment is low but never Question the stats or how they are counted and sell out our Country for this ? We can have all this with integrity and a decent intelligent moral President .
11
@Th
His supporters are a compliant cult, as Trump and Fox play the role of David Koresh.
6
At this point in time, I am left with one thought to offer:
VOTE. If you FAIL to vote in the 2020 election, I pray you to face fellow citizens such as myself who WILL call you out if you dare utter a single complaint. Think the supper parties in 10-17 were tough? Just you wait. It's 2021 and you're going off on Trump biggly, when suddenly from across the supper table ....a voice rings out, "Did you vote?"
Jared Diamond wisely points out that numbers are the only way to win. Register now and turn to someone else and help them do the same. Manypeople do not know HOW to register and vote--truth.
12
Of course he did. Anyone who makes trump look bad, out they go. Unfortunately, the one who makes him look the worst, himself, is still hanging on.
I am sick of this administration. It literally makes me feel ill. And anxious. And depressed.
20
Acosta dwells in the world of sexual misconduct and cruelty to women, not by committing perverse acts but by shielding perpetrators from the laws that were written to hold them accountable.
I am once again amazed at how much of the evangelical community continues to be welded to Trump despite not only his own misdeeds but the countless miscreants Trump has brought into his sphere as president only to have them dismissed for amoral behaviors, with or without vetting.
12
@A Goldstein
Only the best!
1
@A Goldstein
All they care about is banning abortion (and later, birth control). They hold their noses and close their eyes to the rest because they know that no other president or especially vice president will so closely cleave to their cause to win their votes and money. Therefore, it's not that they approve, but that whatever else he does is ignored "for the better good" of dragging reproductive and other rights back to the Stone Age. Thanks, religious folks! We definitely need more unwanted babies and deaths of pregnancy women. Go for it. You are true patriots.
3
When cabinet and WH staff resignations began, I thought it was good news. Then I realized that after every resignation the replacement is worse. Less qualified. More hog-tied to Trump.
The cabinet and the WH staff will continue to deteriorate as candidates realize that these appointments are career-enders. Trump has reached the bottom of the barrel.
14
As they said in Alabama with Roy Moore: the only way a politician can get into trouble down there is being found with a dead girl or a live boy.
But maybe the number of girls makes a difference too.
“He loves beautiful women, as I do, and his tend to be on the younger side.”
“Not a fan....”.
The country is bing ruled by Evil Geniuses.
8
@Toms Quill
Might want to hold off on the "genius" part.
The county has been ruled totally or in part since 1980 by corrupt amoral theocrats, all drunk on power and corporate money. There would be no Reagan, Bush, McConnell, Trump/Pence, Gingrich, Hastert, Ryan, Boehner, etc...were it not for the forever predatory Handmaid's Tale GOP.
5
A web of connections!
1
It's clear that in his press conference Acosta neither took responsibility for the rotten plea agreement he signed with Epstein's legal team nor did he describe the situation surrounding the plea deal fully and accurately, if the state's attorney and victims attorneys are to be believed (and I believe them). Let it be said though that by this standard the President himself should have already resigned in disgrace.
8
So many best people.
2
I couldn’t help but chuckle at that last paragraph about how, in addition to his protection of Epstein from justice, he was a tad slow to undermine the rights of workers.
7
From the info revealed in the Epstein affair, and the recently canceled event at Trump’s Doral golf course, with “stripper caddies” to be followed by a burlesque show, and especially considering his most recent tweets and speech, I believe that Trump is approaching full sociopathic narcissist. It is so shameful that I can’t follow it anymore for my own mental health. Even if economic conditions continue to improve, my support for a president is not just purely transactional, it goes to dignity, honor, decency, honesty, and actual REAL intelligence. Those qualities are just as necessary to national survival as anything else. Our children are watching and they will inherit what we have allowed.
13
Rachel Maddow is going to need a bigger quit/resigned/fired board
10
@Gracie
Some of us don't mind that he's cycling through people. He is peripatetic, indeed, but firing government employees after coming from private industry and having been a CEO who gets to actually fire people for cause, it's no surprise.
1
This vacancy should be filled by Roy Moore.
Keep ‘Merica Great!
2
Why do the dregs always get the most attention? I'm so desensitized at this point. A good portion of the American public supports this inept president and his deeply compromised and often corrupted administrative choices, and the Republican Senate stands mutely behind him. We are being played, to our own detriment. If we were ever a nation of principles, it was not valued enough. Now we careen from scandal to scandal, with crisis's always looming. It's liking being in a classroom with the obnoxious dummies, who manipulate the environment and disgrace the opportunity to listen, participate, cooperate and learn. I'm entirely fed up with all of this. It's disgraceful.
26
@Fromjersey
ell said. Why would anyone in his or her right man support such a totally corrupt and inept regime? Time to impeach before he and his cronies run our country over the cliff.
2
Elect a Clown, expect a Circus. No surprises here.
49
Outside of the US press, the trump-mc-Connell gOP has been identified as amoral for months.
Acosta make about 50+ who have resigned for illegal activities, ethics or sexual abuse and/or lies. All the while the conservative good people by hook or crook remain silent.
17
So, when is Trump going to resign????
24
Unfortunately, never. He’ll do as he’s always done. He’ll double down, call everyone, everything and every issue as FAKE NEWS! And he’ll probably get re-elected because the Dems can’t decide anything other than “we hate tRump”.
2
@chicAhimax
Anyone with an ounce of morality and scruples would. Don't hold your breath.
3
I posted Thursday after the press conference that Acosta was a dead man walking but this was quicker then I imagined. The never ending rot of this administration is stunning. Why do we have so many "acting" heads of departments and agency's? Because President Trump doesn't want to subject them to confirmation hearings. His vetting process is, and has been, a complete joke. The best and the brightest are not rushing to join his carnival show administration so instead the government is being run by at best the average, and at its worse, grifters.
37
Do you think he would actually hire the best, brightest? Fine examples Ivanka and Jared. Now say he looks for best.
3
@Elly
No, he wants lackey's and lapdogs who tell him he is a genius and follow orders without thinking.
1
Too bad the President lacks the grace to resign his position in light of the sexual assaults he admitted to as though there were a badge of honor.
35
In what way does the Labor Department take credit for the economy? If anything, they should be a check on bottom line growth that may harm employee. . .
From their website:
Question: What does the Department of Labor do?
Answer: The Department of Labor (DOL) fosters and promotes the welfare of the job seekers, wage earners, and retirees of the United States by improving their working conditions, advancing their opportunities for profitable employment, protecting their retirement and health care benefits, helping employers find workers, strengthening free collective bargaining, and tracking changes in employment, prices, and other national economic measurements. In carrying out this mission, the Department administers a variety of Federal labor laws including those that guarantee workers’ rights to safe and healthful working conditions; a minimum hourly wage and overtime pay; freedom from employment discrimination; unemployment insurance; and other income support.
15
@F In Texas Thanks for thinking to look at the DOL website and repost. This gave me a good laugh.
1
Thanks to a free press and the dogged pursuit of the case by reporter Julia Brown there is some semblance of justice for all the victims of Jeffrey Epstein.
However, it is obvious that this outrage is far from over. The integrity of our democracy needs to see a thorough investigation of this heinous abuse of power. Doesn’t it feel like the focus on Acosta and Epstein is only scratching the surface?
21
Only the best and smartest people.
21
Another trashbag hauled out of the government. I used to think that fumigating would be enough to remove the Trump stench from DC, now I think that industrial strength detergent with slime and grease removing properties will need to be fire hosed on everything in order to remove the Trump stain and stench.
22
@Amanda Bonner
He needs to go back to his gold fixtured condo and leave us in peace before he lauches yet another endless war in the Middle East or decides to go out in a flurry of nuclear explosions. He is a dangerous person, a threat to world peace and stability. What are the incompetents in the House and Senate waiting for? Impeach and remove him.
6
@Amanda Bonner
Trump is a symptom, not the disease. The malignancy has been there since the 1990s - within both parties, as well as on the local and state levels of both parties.
This has been a good week . Waited for this to come up again . Thanks to good investigative reporting something is happening .
Thankfully Trump has not yet destroyed our press .
He has appointed almost every position in this administration where the appointees had been working on the opposite good for the people and the job they now represent .
18
It seems Acosta was administering 2 standards of justice - one for the 1% and one for everyone else. When we're talking about child sexual abuse, it is particularly horrific. This is an like a Kevin Spacey offense magnified by a power of 10.
11
“Resign” We know what that means in Trump world. Good riddance.
13
Trump's promise to hire the "best" didn't include a promises to hire the people with a moral compass, to hire people who could work on behalf of all Americans, to hire people who have a history of obeying the law and acting honestly and ethically.
The revolving White House door continues.
12
Now that Mr. Acosta has resigned it is time for the Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer to do the same. As your lead editorial today points out Mr. Schumer has been a vocal in his criticism of the President for appointing Mr. Acosta to the post of Labor Secretary given his association with Jeffrey Epstein. The editorial points out that Mr. Schumer himself has had a very lucrative association with Mr. Epstein accepting thousands of dollars in campaign contributions which he received almost thirty years ago and only this week decided that the money was too hot to handle.
What is good for the Republican goose is also good for the Democratic gander.
6
@MenachemP Nobody's hands in Washington are clean. Sad.
5
@MenachemP
Yes, Senator Schumer's sudden denouncement is like something out of a movie.
1
Taking a corrupt donor's money is fine if one doesn't take their phone calls. Take their money and do good with it.
When is Cyrus Vance Junior going to resign? Please don’t let up the heat on him.
19
Curious that Acosta is one of very few cabinet members to resign and have ‘nice things’ said by Trump about him. I’m wondering if Trump ever partook of Epstein’s ‘services’ before they had a falling out, and whether Trump himself may have encouraged Acosta back then to to go easy on Epstein. If there’s any shred of truth to that, then Epstein could try to sing for a plea deal (not that he deserves any such thing).
7
The right thing to do Mr. Trump, is to step down. You are nothing but a distraction and hindrance to the government of the U.S. You are in a job that you are completely unprepared for. You have not put the effort into learning how government and diplomacy work. Please, for the sake of the United States of America, RESIGN.
24
@Gina
Pence is worse.
2
This resignation does NOTHING to make kids, women and the vulnerable safer. It's PURE politics. Nothing more, nothing less. There are just as many democratic prosecutors that cut shady deals with criminals. I keep saying this, as someone once abused by a Catholic priest...what is being done moving FORWARD, so that this doesn't happen again? In my diocese, a lot...and I watch VERY CLOSELY. I watch everywhere I can. I'm tired of digging up the past...it's lawyers looking for money. What about the FUTURE? It is for this reason I've stopped talking about the convicted child molester Roman Polanski. FUTURE people...we want this behavior stopped/contained. What someone did 30 years ago...I don't see anything in it.
2
Another Grifter bites the dust. Vetting in this Administration
is to be ignored. How many Cabinet members have we lost?
How many Cabinet incompetents or just plain crooks have been hired? I've lost count.
Trump should just call the best Temp agency in town for
referrals and reference checks.
Not to cast any aspersions, but do you think Mr. Acosta
might have been bribed with you know what? Just
thinking aloud.
15
A'“tremendous talent” who is “a Hispanic man." What does being a Hispanic man have to do with any of this. Does this mean that it is unusual for a Hispanic to be a tremendous talent or 'look, I'm defending a Hispanic man."
21
Acosta should not be allowed to get away this easy. He needs to be investigated for his role in this crime.
Secondly its time for Bill Barr to resign. He "un-recused" himself so that he can protect Trump who may be part of Epstein sex ring.
21
We need the TRUTH about Trump and his relationship with Epstein and his illegal activities!
16
The number of disgraced members of this administration boggles the mind. Trump has positioned his administration such that he cannot attract any professionals without significant flaws in their past. We are now seeing the complete dumbing down of the government to a level that matches the incompetent and ethically flawed president. This cannot end well. The USA is sliding into the swamp and the only hope is to impeach now or vote this band of scoundrels out.
8
Trump/GOP is totally corrupt. Rich businessmen can do literally anything. Vote them out.
15
Oh poor Mr. Acosta!
Just doing a fantastic job minding his own business when along came a spider!
Let’s not forget his lawful decision to allow Epstein the gratuitous luxury of a painless slap on the wrist for sex trafficking that happened twelve forgettable years ago .
After all he graduated from an Ivy League College which I won’t name at risk of offending its current students and Alumni.
And our President?
Right by Mr. Acosta’s side.
Both spouting with fervor the incredible, amazing economy and pounding their chests .
How very, very sad for the victims.
Their worth , made clear by Acosta’s “assistance”:
Zero.
9
Acosta's 'labor' job, that of protecting people from being abused, became unsustainable, and he knew it. In addition to given an apology to Epstein's victims, his resignation may help set justice straight again. Now, Mr. Trump, if you had one ounce of decency left in you, as a well known sexual predator yourself, your resignation may be the right thing to do. But then again, shamelessness may win, for now, however awful an example for our youth...to see impunity in action.
7
This is just another way that donnie deflects attention away from his CAVE on the citizenship question on the census.
He lied to his base that it was a big win, and his personal attorney, AG William P. Barr praised the wanna-be dictator.
To get everyone to move on from that, he announces a forthcoming resignation, and tries to make himself out as standing up for all the underage girls who have ever been molested.
Yeah, right, given how familiar he is with Epstein.
Lordy, there are pictures of donnie mugging with Jeffrey Epstein!
7
@Joe From Boston Also, given how trump bragged about going into the dressing room of the Miss Teen America and watching them dress.
5
Cui bono? Quid pro quo?
I am not given to conspiracy theories. But Acosta was not a dumb lawyer. He would have known that he was taking a substantial personal and reputational risk in cutting such a blatantly implausible deal for a child molester.
So, conspiracy theory or not, there must have been something on the scales of Acosta's calculus that offset that risk:
......Money?
...….Promise of high office (public or private)?
…...Non monetary gifts?
I don't know, but I would like to know.
17
Protecting minors against sexual predators = not important.
Protecting Trump = VERY important.
10
Only the best and brightest, huh. Is this a third world country, No. This is America and we have to put up with this fool running it, No again. It is time to start impeachment on the grounds of pure incompetents
13
And this poor excuse for a human being didn’t even bother to get the incriminating evidence out of his house. Why? Probably because he was sure law enforcement was giving him a feee ride. Pitiful. One standard for “us” and another for Trump’s friends.
8
All we have here is a casual statement on Trump's part, years ago, that Epstein is a "terrific guy" - so what? Had Epstein even been charged with anything at that time?
Trump cannot be defeated with this type of silly propaganda - it just will not work. How effective was the Mueller investigation - where is the impeachment?
The only way to get Trump out, is to show the American people that Democrats can do better, which is just not happening now. We needed to get Pelosi kicked out, not Acosta.
3
Trump was worried this scandal would impact the 2020 election so asked him resign. Why am I not surprised Trump hasn’t given thought to the likely additional victims Epstein abused because of this sweetheart deal Acosta gave him? It’s ALWAYS about Trump.
8
It appears British Ambassador Sir Kim Darroch’s leaked memos were a gross understatement of Trump’s Administration.
30
"Employer groups and management-side lawyers complained that he had moved too slowly to tilt overtime pay and employer liability policies in a more laissez-faire direction."
Why some Trump appointees survive these scandals and some don't.
10
The Senate needs to vet and hold hearings on the next Secretary of Labor within 30 days, not six months or next year or a thousand years from now. It is an important position and it needs to be filled NOT temporarily run by an acting secretary.
8
@Larry
The Senate would confirm anybody he nominated. It's the House he's afraid of.
2
@Greater Metropolitan Area
Sorry--misspoke. You're right. And if the current Senate won't approve, there's a problem.
Since Barr was in practice with Acosta at Kirkland & Ellis with Acosta at the time this case was prosecuted, HE SHOULD RECUSE. The new indictments are different charges for the SAME crimes. There is a conflict of interest here.
Acosta violated the law in his representation of the victims according to U.S. District Judge Kenneth A. Marra. Since Barr was with the same law firm that was involved in these actions, he should not come close to this case. How would anyone know if he was privy or part of this decision to give the plea deal and deliberately hide it from the victims?
The excuse Barr gave that he would recuse from the previous case but not the new one is nonsensical since they are overlapping. The charges are new. The crimes are not. The new charges are filed because Acosta, as an employee of Kirkland & Ellis, botched the case.
That leaves the deputy AG, Jeffrey Rosen, who should recuse too. HE was ALSO employed at Kirkland & Ellis at the same time.
Then that leaves the Solicitor General, Noel Franscico, who worked for Jones Day who representing the Trump presidential campaign in the Special Counsel investigation. That would be a conflict of interest since Trump was once friends with Epstein.
Finally there’s the Associate Attorney General, Claire McCuster Murray, who served as Special Assistant to Trump and Associate Counsel to Trump. She was also a partner at Kirkland & Ellis when this case was filed before.
Are we seeing a trend?
36
Boy, I can see it now--all the political ads during the 2020 campaign featuring all the fired, disgraced, disgruntled high administrative officials who were the "best," but somehow weren't.
13
@John Contreni I hope you're right.
5
Acosta is the creation of Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz.
Acosta was being groomed for some elected position in Florida down the road; the the Labor position was meant to burnish his reputation as "a public servant" ( to the rich and powerful). Of course it also meant another guy throwing more fund raisers with the Cuban American communities.
Trump went along because he figured Acosta might come in handy in light of his Florida properties . Then there is the fundraising. and finally if not most importantly, Trump was impressed that Acosta got Epstein off which is the only way to look at the prosecution agreement.
Money and evasion: Trump values nothing more.
However...
one has to ask what Rubio and Cruz were thinking to believe that the Epstein case would go away? That Acosta would be able to keep it buried as a local story? Clearly they believed it would go away but they underestimated the power of a reporter and "fake news".
26
@JL
Interesting perspective.
I can’t keep up with this administration. There are not enough hours in the day to stay well-informed.
If that’s their goal, it’s working.
16
@itsmildeyes
Just concentrate on the positives of this administration
which should take no time at all
5
Wait. Breaking news. Now we’re running out of money. I thought Mnuchin had this.
See how I’m ‘replying’ to my own posts now? In other words, talking to myself?
If making us crazy was the goal, it’s working.
5
Thanks for the time management tip, New World. Now I have time to keep rereading Watership Down, chapter 17, The Shining Wire.
1
an example of claiming to take the moral high ground (in public) when the true reasons for resignation unrelated and held in confidence (in private).
8
Pick your chant:
Lock Him Up.
Lock Him Up.
or
Lock Him Up.
I like number 2, but it's close
22
Obviously there's some real risk to some people that are being protected. The NY Times is working very hard to shape the public's view the Epstein scandal is a Trump thing. It's not.
The concluding link to the Trump quote the world is getting very tired of was a blatant attempt to keep the Epstein / Trump narrative alive. Why not put a link to the Epstein plane's flight logs showing Clinton travelling with Epstein. They're online. Today the Washington Examiner is reporting the flight logs show 6 trips, 2 without secret service and not 4 with secret service present as Clinton's released statement said.
Acosta is nothing really in all of this other than his very curious previous statement that he had no choice in the Epstein prosecution. Acosta advised it was an intelligence matter and to leave it alone. Now that Acosta is gone an obvious diversion is out of the way. Will the media focus on the real story - who was Epstein, what was he doing, why and why was he so connected to the elite and the powerful?
If the media do their job there are interesting times ahead. Don't hold your breath.
5
@Lazlo K. Hud. I bet it's not "either, or" but both Trump and Clinton and who knows who all else? It seems that once many men reach a certain economic bracket they are willing to sell their mothers and daughters for an entry to the levels of life's most debauched activities. The old saying of knowing people by the company they keep surely applies in the situations referred to here.
2
Now it's Wilbur Ross's turn for lying about the initial reasons for the citizenship question on the census and for not disposing of stocks he had reported he had. And then there was all that Bank of Cypress stuff...
Keep up the investigative reporting. There is so much out there.
17
What do you know? It looks like the swamp has been drained, just a little bit.
7
Classic no win situation.
However justifiable his position might have been over his handling of the sex crimes case against Jeffrey Epstein, Acosta was toast as soon as this "second wave" of accusations hit.
Trump needs as much distance between himself and Epstein (as does Bill Clinton) as he can get. Acosta was a clear and present obstacle to his achieving this.
2
Trump has absolutely no public speaking skills whatsoever, gives no contex. "He's a tremendous man, a Hispanic man, he went to Harvard."
14
This is where the importance of the news media comes into play. We have to literally embarrass the government to bring the criminals front and center. Is this what Trump means when he stirs up his followers with making us great again? He brings all his kind into public view and we see them for who they are. And each one he exclaimed “great people.”The reporters / investigators look into their history and what do you know we find Trumps kind of people. Child molesters, Manafort, Flynn, Russian collusion, etc. where does he find them all?
11
Another fraudulent Trump appointee. What a surprise!
6
The NY Times and the Washington Post should keep a running tab of Trump administration firings and resignations on their front pages- just as they do with the Weather link. Something fun to read everyday.
10
And why is no one looking at the credible accusations of the once 13-year-old girl, Katie Johnson, regarding having been sexually assaulted by Trump himself on 3 separate occasions at the pedophiliac orgies that Epstein led with wealthy businessman like Trump and his ilk? This is what Trump wants to avoid most of all, as do the attorneys, it would seem, with so many wealthy, powerful men having committed similar crimes in being part of the web of trafficking that Epstein led for so long.
12
@LM
Because they have been dismissed by three separate courts. Those accusations are not credible at all
Don't stick this one on Trump. It is/was the system at that Time. The truth is that if the public were to examine all agreements of this type, negotiated by Lawyers who move back and forth from Justice to White Shoe private firms, it would be more common than is warranted. Trump has made it clear, long before he was in the political eye that Epstein's young girls weren't his type.the money was. Bill Clinton was in the same exact circle as the two of them.
Times have changed, otherwise, nobody would be the wiser.
Actually, it really doesn't sound much different than a typical K street negotiation by lobbyists.
2
@Richard G
Is that your rationale? Everyone was doing it? You do realize we're not talking about littering or jaywalking, right?
15
@CHN It's not a rationale in the sense of excusing it. The obscenity is that it was the norm for the people who moved through the circles where one could say 'give us this one and we'll make it up to you later.' Especially when shifting sides is the norm.
I almost feel sorry for Patrick Pizzella, like the rest of Trump "cabinet". At any given moment, Trump is playing a roulette wheel; only a matter of time before anyone's name comes up. Of course, stacking his cabinet with people that anyone with a sense of morality and ethics wouldn't ordinarily share a cab with is a terrible way to run the White House, but these are the kinds of people Trump trusts.
My grandfather used to say that a great way to learn about a person's values is to look at who he or she has as friends--since friendship is a mutual choice, it accurately reflects the character within both parties. I'd like to think that this doesn't quite apply to the voters who support Trump but I'm beginning to think it does since none of these scandals gives them even a moment's pause.
17
More great vetting and moral leadership. What is Trump's turnover rate by now? What was Obama's at the same point?
7
It’s really incredible that it takes a national outrage to hold a pedophile and his enablers accountable.
27
It's not the man.
It's the culture that breeds him.
We have a long way to go.
Maybe we need a "Truth and Reconciliation Commission" for all rich, elite men so that they can give testimony and ask for amnesty.
6
@unreceivedogma A Truth and Reconciliation Commission would be helpful and meaningful but IF anyone guilty was willing to actually repent. One needs forgiveness before reconciliation. And one needs repentance before forgiveness.
1
@unreceivedogma
How about if they testify and ask for amnesty, and are then put in prison for the rest of their lives?
Another Trump fall guy falls on his sword. It was inevitable. Humpty Trumpty would've fired him if he didn't leave voluntarily. He's too much of a political liability. The real victims are swept up the rug by this guy as he sidesteps the real injustice he did to them when he made that horrible plea deal 12 years ago. And, makes it seem all is well because of how good the economy is? Yeah okay. Tell that to the victims who are still suffering today. Good riddance.
16
Why is Cy Vance still in his role? He is also complicit in allowing Epstein’s crimes to go unpunished. Acosta had to go but all things being equal, Vance should resign his post as well. This should not be a Republican versus Democrat issue. They system was corrupted here by multiple parties and allowing Vance to stay turns this into a partisan issue when it is not. This is to say nothing of Vance’s complicity in the Harvey Weinstein debacle.
18
@E David
...and the Trump kids NYC real estate violations.
7
@E David Typical Vance move—he is blaming a woman (former ada Jennifer Gaffney)
1
I assume that Acosta's expressed desire for a future appointment to a lifetime judgeship on the federal Circuit Court of Appeals is now out of the question. Although with the quixotic Trump in office, supported by his cowed Republican Senate servants, perhaps not. After all, the embattled Acosta is an "Hispanic man", was a "great student" at Harvard no less, and has been a "great, great secretary". Then why is this guy "resigning"? According to the Fake President's criteria, he should be on the Supreme Court! We have never, and will not for the foreseeable future, witness such a level of chaos, incompetency, and corruption in any Administration.
12
@John Grillo
We don't know that he wasn't a contender for the next seat on the Court. He has all the credentials of his two predecessors.
So tired of seeing the Harvard and Yale flags waved to erase amorality and stupidity (Dubya, et al). We're starting to comprehend how some people get in. Maybe applications to those revered institutions should include a personality test marked by psychiatrists.
3
The way I see it, common people here have two options. Stop paying taxes and joining the military. The wealthy do it, so should everyone. There are not enough prisons if even 25 per cent of the people do it. Option two, Stop working with the system that they created, that keeps you down and them free to commit crimes endangering the world. Start a movement that makes the 1960s look like a Boy Scout Jamboree. If the wealthy and their puppet government no longer represent us and they are able to use war under the guise of national security for change, so should the common folk be able to use chaos to inspire change.
9
It's not the man.
It's the culture that breeds him.
We have a long way to go.
Maybe we need a "Truth and Reconciliation" for all rich, elite men so that they can give testimony and ask for amnesty.
4
next to fall as part of this conspiracy to protect wealthy white men should be Alan Dershowitz. He is long overdue for justice.
How can he remain on Harvard faculty after continuing, long after Epstein pled guilty, to do his bidding?
15
@Howie K
He has turned into the new clown lawyer like Giuliani.
Has beens trying to stay in the limelight and figuring Trump will keep them in the news.
They are nothing better than notorious now.
3
@Howie K
To this, let’s add Ken Starr, who as Epstein’s attorney worked on the illegal no-prosecution deal, and later refused as chancellor of Baylor to discipline football playing rapists.
6
@Loner
But he was appalled and disgusted by Bill Clinton little peccadillo in the Oval Office. * rolls ey
The kind of person who could sign off on Epstein’s farcical sentence bears responsibility for the later victims. He did not work alone, nor did anyone in DOJ stop him. There needs to be a complete investigation and exposure of everyone involved, with proper penalties under the law.
Yet another matter to place on Congress’ plate.
9
And why did AG Barr "un--recuse" himself from this case? One has this awful feeling that it is all the better to function as Trump's Roy Cohn. I mean, how will all those photographs found in Epstein's home be handled? Is there a picture of the Donald in there? With Barr as the Master of Ceremonies in this case, will the truth come out?
16
Nothing will change. More indictments, more contempt of Congress by cabinet officials, former cabinet officials, the likes of Conway, Sanders...nothing will change.
Journalistic outrage, a minority of the democratic house calling for impeachment, Democrats seeking the nomination promising
“No more Charlottesville,” will change nothing.
Even the Supreme Court, Roberts particularly, left the door on the census issue open, inviting the Barr DOJ to return with yet another contrived legal argument.
Nothing will change.Except a Democratic victory in ‘20.
If he wins re-election, we may lose our Republic. Hyperbole?
Dream on.
12
Mr. Acosta's blatant disregard for the victims of Epstein's criminal acts makes his resignation appropriate. Acosta did not care about their legal rights in 2008 and defiantly remained unconcerned today. As Labor Secretary in charge of overseeing sex trafficking of minors in the US, Acosta lost the confidence of the public as someone who would work on behalf of the victims.
11
duh? of course it was the right thing and he only embarrassed himself at his defense interview. he has few morals or would have immediately resigned, no shame like the rest of the miscreants who have chosen politics over laws
would not like to see investigation into AG Barr's father and Epstein. it would be a godsend if we could get rid on trump's private atty who is supposedly there for the rest of us.
no, this took enough time. the consequences were enormous, the crimes unspeakable, and acosta knew all.
6
“I’ve known Jeff Epstein for 15 years. Terrific guy. He’s a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.”
- Donald Trump, 2002
Perhaps a little more investigation and another resignation are in order.
71
@Socrates: Is this what Trump means by "draining the swamp?"
3
Just remember, Trump's cabinet replacements are always (much) worse than his initial picks.
16
Good riddance. Now it's time for Cyrus Vance to step down as well for pushing for Epstein's sex offender status to be reduced with no justification. It won't happen without significant media pressure though.
NYT, are you listening?
37
Great- another acting secretary has been appointed-the problem is that the Cabinet Secretaries Trump appoints are bad actors and conflicted-how novel would it be if the Senate simply did their job and vetted Trump’s choices instead of simply passing them along and making the Cabinet into a Rogues Gallery.
11
@JANET MICHAEL With mitch mcconnel controlling the repub-majority senate, he will never let that happen. Besides, any decent action would affect his wife's cabinet job.
1
Given Trump's consistent record of defending the indefensible, one has to wonder why he turned on Acosta so quickly. Could it be that Trump knows an investigation into Acosta's behavior will ultimately lead back to his own malfeasance?
Hahah, just kidding, of course he does.
25
Two rich men on a lawn, with a helicopter waiting for one of them, sputtering about not getting enough praise for their "amazing economy" (for rich men), while pretending they had nothing to do with a serial predator, yet another rich man, with whom they each had dealings in the midst of his depredations. MAGA for rich men. We're already there, as if we ever left it.
30
I think he has a soft spot for predators. "In 2019, Acosta proposed cutting the funding of his department's International Labor Affairs Bureau from $68 million in 2018 to under $20 million in 2020. That agency combats human trafficking."
27
He'll get a cushy job making millions for some thoughtless thinktank. Leaving the Trump administration is a blessing, so I fail to see how this is a reprimand?
10
Great. Now let Epstein go after his business and get a new sweeter deal. It was never about him anyway.
1
There is an element of social class, as defined by wealth or poverty, that runs through the entire Epstein mess. The girls, children, who were recruited to be exploited in Florida were usually the kind people might call "trailer park kids", young people with low income situations and without the protections that intact families and higher education can provide. They were carefully selected victims, in other words. So, Acosta and team were looking at a supposed billionaire who had exploited the near poor, blind to the harm done.
How convenient! These girls, these victims, were classified as prostitutes to lower the severity of the crimes. Can a child be a prostitute? Decency says no because a child cannot make that decision, it was forced upon them in a clever scheme of exploitation.
Only a lawyer, only someone buried in the law, could look upon the victims as just another case to be disposed of as efficiently as possible. Where does one go to get full training that removes all human compassion? Harvard law?
So, another supposed billionaire, Trump, could easily disregard the injustice done to these children. Hey, they weren't that important, were they?, in the eyes of the mega-rich for whom money defines all aspects of life?
Trump only acted to rid himself of Acosta when the smell got too strong. This is typical of an administration with no moral compass, no basic decency and, in the end, no purpose at all other than the gratification and brutal pleasures of Trump himself.
44
And another one bites the dust.
Trump keeps replacing the swamp, but with his history of unprecedented turnover, is unable to stay on top of finding new candidates for positions left vacant.
I wonder why that is? I think the Democrats are partly to blame. It has become apparent that they must be a part of the vetting process before approving a Trump pick. Obviously this administration chooses candidates based on their perceived loyalty to the "leader" with disregard to experience, past behavior, or recommendations from experienced government officials. What a way to run a government!
As a refresher, here is a list of individuals who are no longer with the Trump administration.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/03/16/us/politics/all-the-major-firings-and-resignations-in-trump-administration.html
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@bea durand The Senate approves the appointees, and it is repub majority.
Another “great person” gone...gone but not soon forgotten. What continues to amaze me that Mr. Acosta knew the role he played in the secret plea deal which Epstein received and based on that knowledge he thought he was capable of being our Secretary of Labor.
Acosta betrayed the trust of Epstein’s victims and still believed he was the right person to be the Secretary of Labor.
And my second issue is who is vetting the candidates for Trump’s cabinet? Do they not do any research on them? I’m not sure which is worse, they didn’t do any research or they did and just didn’t care about the results.
November 2020 can’t come soon enough.
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@Maureen The repubican senate obviously doesn't care about vetting. trump bragged on the Access Hollywood tape that he had abused women and watched the undressed teen Miss America contestants dress, and there was publicity when he settled a rape charge by paying off the accuser. He clearly represents his base...the republican voters.
Trump's resignation should be next followed by the entire group of WH advisers, then Mitch McC followed by his cowardly Republican Congressional colleagues.
Then we can begin to have a functioning, adept, knowledgeable government. Let's include as well the possibility of ethical and moral governance.
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Couldn't have happened to a nicer more deserving fellow !
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Its interesting that Acosta resigned so quickly. This administration is known for dragging its feet and fighting the losing fight for days...weeks...longer.
Is the administration trying to change the focus of the media from further investigating links between Epstein, Acosta, the Barrs, and Trump? This story needs to stay at the top of the headlines- not be sidelined by ICE raids that were spontaneously announced by Trump as this controversy statrted to gain traction.
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Great. Now Trump can find someone less qualified.
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The next Sec. of Labor will be 'acting' for the foreseeable future.
Trump is not about to have people in his cabinet who can vote for the 25th amendment.
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Some of these people make Mitch McConnell look good. Not an easy task.
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It makes sense that Trump and Mitch McConnell picked Acosta for Secretary of Labor. They do want to protect all those in the business of criminal behavior.
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"...many in the business community, normally an ally of Republican-appointed labor secretaries, had grown weary of Mr. Acosta.
Employer groups and management-side lawyers complained that he had moved too slowly to tilt overtime pay and employer liability policies in a more laissez-faire direction."
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And this last sentence in the story, I believe, tells the real reason why Acosta was dumped. The Dark Money Men of this administration called Trump and told him Acosta needed to go, not because he covered for a serial pedophile, but because wasn't working to fast enough to break the back of the American worker.
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Every cabinet member in the Trump administration was specifically chosen to destroy the agency they lead. This is the lead...don’t let them bury it.
Of all the people who served as US Attorney, Trump picked the one guy, the only guy who allowed a human trafficker to go free to be the best person in the country to head the labor department and be in charge of all regulations governing trafficking.
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@Deirdre I really hope he is the only US Attorney that allowed a human trafficker to go free... I am truly worried that there are others that we just don't know about so far.
Am I too pessimistic?
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Finally, what took him so long. He has no shame. Now he should be prosecuted for his involvement with Epstein.
And, isn't it time we got rid of all those "acting" cabinet positions. Or, is our "fearless" leader afraid that anyone he nominates for a cabinet post will not pass vetting. "Acting" is OK for off- Broadway but not for running the country. We must dump trump and ditch mitch and try to repair all the damage they have managed to accomplish.
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@Sari Get out the posters and bumper stickers with the catchy message: "dump trump, ditch mitch." I'll buy them!
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This is now entirely predictable. First a full-throated, outraged defense, while the President feels badly for the offender and hems and haws on the merits of the accusation.
Then a firing - only because the person can't stay off the news and makes Trump look bad - under the guise of 'resignation' and doing the right thing for the country, with the regret of the President.
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Could there be some integrity in the White House or just fear of losing votes? The latter is the only plausible explanation.
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