Alex Acosta Defends "Sweetheart Deal" for Jeffrey Epstein Before Congress

Breaking News: Alex Acosta Testifies on Jeffrey Epstein Deal Former Trump official and former prosecutor Alex Acosta testified before the House Oversight Committee on September 19 in Washington D.C., stating he has no remorse for granting a widely criticized "sweetheart deal" to financier Jeffrey Epstein in 2007. According to Democratic lawmaker, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Acosta expressed no regret over his decision. Acosta arrived at the committee hearing at approximately 2:00 PM EDT and was immediately questioned about his role in negotiating the non-prosecution agreement (NPA) with Epstein's lawyers. The NPA allowed Epstein to plead guilty to a single state charge of soliciting a minor for prostitution, rather than facing federal charges that could have carried much harsher penalties. The hearing comes as part of an ongoing investigation into the handling of Epstein's case and whether Acosta's deal was influenced by his future role in the Trump administration. In 2007, Acosta was serving as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida when he negotiated the NPA with Epstein's lawyers. The immediate impact of Acosta's testimony is being felt on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers are calling for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of high-profile cases. Rep. Wasserman Schultz stated that Acosta's lack of remorse raises further questions about his judgment and fitness to serve as a public official. In the background context, Epstein was arrested in 2019 on federal charges related to sex trafficking minors. His death in prison while awaiting trial sparked widespread outrage and calls for greater scrutiny of the handling of high-profile cases. As the hearing continues, lawmakers are expected to press Acosta further about his role in negotiating the NPA and whether he has any regrets over his decision. The outcome of this investigation is likely to have significant implications for the Trump administration and its handling of sensitive cases. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Forbes reporting.*