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This past Friday, Pam Bondi designated interim US attorney Jay Clayton to oversee an probe into political adversaries of Donald Trump and their connections with the late financier. This action came shortly after the president ordered her to initiate the probe.

During an announcement, the Attorney General highlighted Jay Clayton as “one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country”. The official stated, “This case will be addressed with speed and honesty to ensure public transparency.”

This action appears to contradict a July memo from federal authorities which indicated that the Epstein files did not warrant additional investigations. As per the memo, investigators “did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties”

Trump Calls for Focus on Democrats in the Epstein Matter

This news coincides with increasing pressure from the president on lawmakers to oppose the full release of files concerning Epstein before an key congressional decision in the coming days. Many Republicans are anticipated to back the release.

Newly public emails from Jeffrey Epstein have highlighted the president’s previous connections with the convicted criminal, including details that he knew more about Epstein’s conduct than he has previously let on.

On Friday, Trump announced he would direct the DOJ to examine Epstein’s ties with Democrats, including prominent individuals such as Clinton, Summers, and Hoffman. Paradoxically, he also referred to the “Epstein hoax” as a “scam”.

Other Updates from Friday

• The President announced he would file a lawsuit against the BBC, even after an apology from the network. Trump claimed the legal case could seek billions in damages.
• Epstein reportedly advised Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to defend Trump’s policies. Communications released show his role in coaching Bannon.
• US military are developing plans for a divided Gaza, with a secure area under international and Israeli control and a “red zone” unreconstructed.
• State officials have reopened the sole ongoing legal case against Trump after naming a replacement attorney.
• The President reversed tariff policy by reducing taxes on food imports like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to combat rising costs.
• US and Switzerland concluded a deal to lower tariffs on products from Switzerland from 39% to 15%.

Additional developments featured calls to safeguard public lands, criticism of an antisemitism watchdog, and a court approval for a settlement in the OxyContin lawsuit.