Plea deal received fresh scrutiny this week after prosecutors charged financier Jeffrey Epstein with two counts related to sex trafficking of minors.

Alexander Acosta said he was resigning as labor secretary, amid criticism of a nonprosecution deal he struck with financier Jeffrey Epstein more than a decade ago as a U.S. attorney. Appearing Friday morning with President Trump on the South Lawn of the White House, Mr. Acosta told reporters he was stepping down. President Trump said the secretary had called him that morning, and that it was Mr. Acosta’s choice. “This was him, not me, because I’m with him,” the president said. “We’re going to miss him.”

Mr. Acosta, speaking after the president, told reporters he decided to resign because “I do not think it is right for this administration’s Labor Department to have Epstein as the focus rather than the incredible economy.” Mr. Acosta’s resignation will take effect in one week, and he’ll be succeeded by Deputy Secretary of Labor Patrick Pizzella, on an acting basis.

“Your agenda, putting the American people first, must avoid any distractions,” Mr. Acosta wrote. “I must set aside a part of me that wants to continue my service.”

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