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This past Friday, Pam Bondi assigned Jay Clayton to head an inquiry into political adversaries of Donald Trump and their relationships with Jeffrey Epstein. This decision came just after the president directed her to initiate the probe.

During an announcement, the Attorney General 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 action seems to diverge from a July memo from federal authorities which declared that the Epstein files lacked grounds for further inquiries. According to the memo, authorities “lacked sufficient evidence to pursue cases against other parties.”

Trump Calls for Focus on Political Opponents in Epstein Case

This news comes as growing demands from the president on congressional Republicans to block the public disclosure of Epstein-related documents ahead of an key congressional decision next week. Many Republicans are anticipated to support the disclosure.

Recently released communications from Epstein have highlighted Trump’s previous connections with the sex trafficker, including details 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 connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, including Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Interestingly, Trump also described the “Epstein hoax” as a “scam”.

Additional Developments from Friday

• The President stated he would take legal action against the BBC, despite a formal apology from the media outlet. Trump claimed the lawsuit could seek between a billion and $5bn.
• Epstein allegedly guided Steve Bannon during a 2018 media campaign to support the president’s agenda. Communications released show his role in coaching the influencer.
• US military are planning for a divided Gaza, with a secure area under international and Israeli control and a “red zone” left in ruins.
• Georgia prosecutor have reopened the last remaining criminal case against Trump after naming a new lead prosecutor.
• The President reversed tariff policy by reducing duties on imported goods like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to address inflation concerns.
• US and Switzerland concluded a deal to reduce import taxes on Swiss goods from a significant decrease.

Other notable events featured appeals to safeguard public lands, objections of an monitoring group, and a judge’s decision for a settlement in the OxyContin lawsuit.