Alex Acosta’s news conference this week didn’t do him any favors. While the now (or soon-to-be) former Labor Secretary said “My relationship with the president is outstanding. He has made clear I have his support.” it’s clear something changed in the last two days. And now Acosta is out. The AP says:

President Donald Trump announced the news Friday with Acosta by his side at the White House as Trump left on a trip to the Midwest.

Acosta says stepping aside was the right decision.

"He doesn't have to do this," Pres. Trump says as Labor Sec. Alex Acosta announces his resignation. "He's doing this not for himself, he's doing this for the administration." https://t.co/DUfyzADxaB pic.twitter.com/nzUPQP82LE

— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) July 12, 2019

Trump was stewing over Acosta’s fate yesterday as he and aides worried about revelations in Epstein case, I’m told. “There would just continue to be disclosures,” a senior official said. “There would be questions in this town and on the trail,” official added, referring to 2020.

— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) July 12, 2019

Acosta was under fire for brokering a sweetheart deal with billionaire Jeffrey Epstein back in 2008.

Dan Rather says, ” Labor Secretary Acosta Resigns over Epstein Plea Deal. Yesterday, Pres. Trump retreated on threats for adding census question. The laws of political gravity have not been completely suspended.”

https://twitter.com/tedlieu/status/1149681029424340992