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On Friday, Pam Bondi designated interim US attorney Jay Clayton to oversee an inquiry into political adversaries of the President and their connections with the late financier. This action came shortly after Trump instructed her to launch the investigation.

During an announcement, the Attorney General highlighted Clayton as “a highly skilled and reliable legal expert”. The official stated, “As with all matters, the department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American people.”

This development appears to contradict a recent memorandum from federal authorities which indicated that the Epstein files lacked grounds for further inquiries. As per the memo, authorities “lacked sufficient evidence to pursue cases against other parties.”

The President Demands Scrutiny of Democrats in Epstein Case

The announcement comes as growing demands from the president on congressional Republicans to oppose the public disclosure of Epstein-related documents ahead of an key congressional decision next week. Several lawmakers are anticipated to back the release.

Recently released emails from Epstein have brought attention to Trump’s past involvement with the sex trafficker, including details that he knew more about Epstein’s conduct than he has previously let on.

On Friday, the President declared he would ask the Department of Justice to examine Epstein’s ties with Democrats, specifically naming prominent individuals such as Clinton, Summers, and Hoffman. Paradoxically, he also referred to the “Epstein hoax” as a “scam”.

Other Developments from Friday

• Trump announced he would take legal action against the British broadcaster, even after an apology from the media outlet. He claimed the lawsuit could seek between a billion and $5bn.
• Jeffrey Epstein allegedly guided former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to defend Trump’s policies. Communications released show Epstein’s involvement in advising the influencer.
• American forces are developing plans for a divided Gaza, with a “green zone” under international and Israeli control and a restricted section unreconstructed.
• Georgia prosecutor have revived the last remaining criminal case against the President after naming a replacement attorney.
• The President reversed tariff policy by cutting taxes on imported goods like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to address inflation concerns.
• US and Switzerland reached a deal to lower import taxes on products from Switzerland from a significant decrease.

Additional developments included calls to safeguard public lands, criticism of an antisemitism watchdog, and a court approval for a resolution in the Purdue Pharma lawsuit.