Following controversy over his role in a plea bargain for Jeffrey Epstein, Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta offered his resignation on July 12, and President Trump announced that Patrick Pizzella would become the acting secretary. Although not much is known specifically about his perspective on employee benefits or ESOPs, Politico quoted a former administration official, who said Pizzella is "more aligned with business, he's more aligned with political [staff] in the department itself.... he's liked by the regulated communities." Pizzella is opposed by organized labor, which cites his work with convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.