Former US Prosecutor Alex Acosta Defends 2008 Epstein Plea Deal Amid Congressional Scrutiny

Alexander Acosta, the former federal prosecutor and Secretary of Labor under President Trump, defended his controversial 2008 plea deal with Jeffrey Epstein in a closed-door congressional hearing. Acosta's deal allowed Epstein to avoid federal charges and resulted in a lenient sentence, which has been widely criticized for enabling Epstein to continue abusing girls and women. Lawmakers, especially Democrats, described Acosta's testimony as defiant, unremorseful, and evasive, with Acosta reportedly expressing disbelief in the victims' credibility and failing to admit mistakes. Representatives raised concerns about a possible cover-up involving financial institutions, foreign governments, and others connected to Epstein. The House Oversight Committee continues to investigate the broader Epstein scandal, seeking full access to financial documents and pressing for accountability. The hearing highlighted bipartisan frustration over past failures to hold Epstein and his associates fully accountable and emphasized ongoing efforts to uncover the truth for survivors.