Secretary of Labor
Washington, D.C. 20210
July 12, 2019
President Donald J. Trump
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. President:
My parents left Cuba as refugees in search of freedom to make a better life in the greatest country in the world, the United States of America.
They worked hard and wanted the best opportunities for their son and grandchildren. In one generation, their dreams were more than surpassed when you offered me the honor of a lifetime to serve as a member of your Cabinet, as Secretary of Labor.
From our first meeting, you offered me the opportunity to move consequential work forward on behalf of the American workforce. We have millions of new jobs, fewer injuries and fatalities on the job, record low unemployment, less regulation, and new family-sustaining career opportunities for the future. I have traveled from Alaska to Florida and from Maine to California to bring to the growers, miners, makers, movers, and servers your message that your presidency is focused on delivering for them. You are delivering for them. You have made America great again.
It has meant so much to me that you offered your steadfast support in our private discussions and in your public remarks. That support notwithstanding, I agreed to serve so that I could implement your agenda. Your agenda, putting the American people first, must avoid any distractions. A Cabinet position is a temporary trust. I must set aside a part of me that wants to continue my service with the thousands of talented professionals at the Department of Labor.
Therefore, I am offering, and wish for you to accept, my resignation as United States Secretary of Labor effective one week from today.
My resignation from this position will not diminish my support for you and your agenda. I believe you have done an incredible job and have the right vision for our nation by putting working American families at the center of your presidency. When that vision is complete, in the middle of next decade, your successor with inherit an America that will be an even greater nation than it is today.
On behalf of my family, I thank you and will always treasure the opportunity to service my fellow citizens of this shining city upon a hill.
Sincerely,
R. Alexander Acosta
