Fact Check: "The Epstein story was rebooted to embarrass Labor Secretary Alex Acosta."
What We Know
The claim that "the Epstein story was rebooted to embarrass Labor Secretary Alex Acosta" lacks substantial evidence. The context of Acosta's involvement with Jeffrey Epstein dates back to his tenure as a federal prosecutor in Florida, where he oversaw a controversial plea deal for Epstein in 2008. A Justice Department report later concluded that while Acosta exercised "poor judgment" in handling the case, he did not engage in professional misconduct. This report was the result of an investigation by the Justice Department's Office of Professional Responsibility and indicated that Acosta's decisions were made without improper influence from Epstein's wealth or connections.
The claim appears to stem from a recent commentary by a host on Newsmax, who suggested that the renewed media focus on Epstein was intended to embarrass Acosta, particularly in light of his past decisions regarding the plea deal (Media Matters). However, this assertion lacks corroborative evidence and seems to reflect a partisan interpretation of media coverage rather than an objective analysis of the facts.
Analysis
The assertion that the Epstein story was "rebooted" for the purpose of embarrassing Acosta is not supported by the broader context of media reporting and public interest in the Epstein case. The renewed scrutiny of Epstein's actions and the implications of the plea deal were largely driven by subsequent developments, including Epstein's arrest in 2019 on federal charges of sex trafficking and his subsequent death in custody. These events reignited public and media interest in the case, independent of Acosta's role.
Moreover, the Justice Department report emphasized that Acosta's decisions, while criticized, did not stem from any illicit motives. The report also highlighted that Acosta's actions did lead to Epstein facing some legal consequences, albeit far less severe than many believed appropriate. Critics, including victims' advocates and some lawmakers, expressed disappointment with the leniency of the plea deal, but this criticism is directed at the systemic issues within the Justice Department rather than a targeted effort to embarrass Acosta (Politico).
The credibility of the source making the claim (a Newsmax host) is questionable, as it reflects a specific political narrative rather than an objective analysis of the situation. Newsmax has been criticized for promoting partisan viewpoints, which raises concerns about the reliability of its assertions (Media Matters).
Conclusion
Verdict: False. The claim that the Epstein story was rebooted to embarrass Labor Secretary Alex Acosta is not substantiated by evidence. The renewed media focus on Epstein was primarily a response to significant developments in the case, including his arrest and the broader implications of his actions, rather than a targeted effort to discredit Acosta. The Justice Department's findings regarding Acosta's judgment further indicate that any embarrassment he faced was a byproduct of the case's complexities rather than a deliberate media strategy.
Sources
- Justice Dept.: ‘Poor judgment’ used in Epstein plea deal
- Trump's Labor nominee oversaw 'sweetheart plea deal' in ...
- Acosta broke law keeping lenient Epstein deal from victims
- Epstein Case: Closed and Covered Up, By Charles Taylor
- Acosta defends handling of Epstein plea deal
- Newsmax host: "The Epstein story was rebooted because they ...
- I Was Told to Leave Epstein Alone Because He 'Belonged to ...
- Alex Acosta Had to Go, But the Jeffrey Epstein Scandal Is ...
