🔗 Share this article

On Friday, Pam Bondi designated Jay Clayton to lead an inquiry into political adversaries of Donald Trump and their relationships with Jeffrey Epstein. This move came shortly after the president directed her to initiate the investigation.

During an announcement, Bondi highlighted Clayton as “one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country”. The official remarked, “As with all matters, the department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American people.”

This development contrasts with a July memo from federal authorities which declared that the Epstein files lacked grounds for further inquiries. As per the memo, investigators “lacked sufficient evidence to pursue cases against other parties.”

The President Calls for Focus on Political Opponents in Epstein Matter

The announcement comes as increasing pressure from the president on congressional Republicans to block the public disclosure of Epstein-related documents ahead of an key congressional decision in the coming days. Many Republicans are expected to support the disclosure.

Recently released communications from Epstein have brought attention to the president’s past involvement with the convicted criminal, including information that he knew more about Epstein’s conduct than he has previously let on.

That same day, the President announced he would ask the Department of Justice to investigate Epstein’s ties with Democrats, specifically naming Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Paradoxically, Trump also referred to the “Epstein hoax” as a “scam”.

Additional Updates from the Day

• The President stated he would take legal action against the British broadcaster, even after an apology from the media outlet. He said the lawsuit could seek between a billion and $5bn.
• Epstein reportedly guided former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a 2018 media campaign to defend Trump’s policies. Text messages made public detail 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” left in ruins.
• Georgia prosecutor have revived the sole ongoing legal case against Trump after naming a replacement attorney.
• The President reversed tariff policy by cutting taxes on imported goods like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to combat rising costs.
• US and Switzerland concluded a trade agreement to reduce import taxes on products from Switzerland from 39% to 15%.

Other notable events featured calls to safeguard public lands, criticism of an monitoring group, and a court approval for a settlement in the Purdue Pharma lawsuit.