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On Friday, Pam Bondi designated interim US attorney Jay Clayton to lead an inquiry into opponents of the President and their relationships with Jeffrey Epstein. This action came shortly after Trump instructed her to initiate the probe.

In a statement, Bondi praised Clayton as “one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country”. The official added, “As with all matters, the department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American people.”

This development seems to diverge from a July memo from justice department officials which stated that documents related to Epstein did not warrant additional investigations. As per the document, investigators “found no proof justifying probes into uncharged individuals”

The President Demands Scrutiny of Democrats in Epstein Case

This news comes as growing pressure from Trump on lawmakers to resist the public disclosure of Epstein-related documents before an upcoming House vote next week. Many Republicans are anticipated to support the disclosure.

Recently released communications from Epstein have brought attention to Trump’s previous connections with the sex trafficker, revealing information that he was more aware of Epstein’s actions than earlier acknowledged.

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

Other Developments from Friday

• Trump stated he would take legal action against the BBC, even after an apology from the media outlet. He said the lawsuit could seek billions in damages.
• Epstein allegedly guided former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a 2018 media campaign to support Trump’s policies. Text messages made public show his involvement in advising Bannon.
• American forces are planning for a partitioned Gaza, with a secure area under international and Israeli control and a restricted section unreconstructed.
• Georgia prosecutor have revived the last remaining criminal case against Trump after appointing a new lead prosecutor.
• The President reversed tariff policy by cutting duties on food imports like various food items to combat rising costs.
• US and Switzerland concluded a deal to lower import taxes on products from Switzerland from a significant decrease.

Other notable events featured appeals to protect national parks, objections of an monitoring group, and a court approval for a resolution in the OxyContin lawsuit.