Labor Secretary Alex Acosta is set to hold a news conference on Wednesday afternoon to answer questions about his handling of a 2008 plea agreement with multimillionaire financier Jeffrey Epstein, who is facing new federal sex-crimes charges involving minors.



Acosta's deal with Epstein has come under renewed scrutiny after federal prosecutors in New York City charged Epstein on Monday with sex trafficking.



Critics have said the agreement was too lenient and top Democrats in Congress, as well as 2020 Democratic presidential candidates, have called on Acosta to step down.





Acosta is scheduled to address reporters at 2:30 p.m.

Watch the live video above.