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On Friday, Pam Bondi assigned Jay Clayton to oversee an inquiry into political adversaries of the President and their links with the late financier. This move came shortly after the president directed her to initiate the investigation.

In a statement, the Attorney General commended Jay Clayton as “a highly skilled and reliable legal expert”. She added, “As with all matters, the department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American people.”

This action contrasts with a July memo from federal authorities which indicated that documents related to Epstein lacked grounds for further inquiries. According to the document, authorities “lacked sufficient evidence to pursue cases against other parties.”

The President Demands Focus on Political Opponents in the Epstein Case

The announcement comes as growing pressure from the president on congressional Republicans to block the full release of files concerning Epstein ahead of an upcoming House vote next week. Many Republicans are anticipated to back the disclosure.

Newly public communications from Jeffrey Epstein have highlighted Trump’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 declared he would direct the Department of Justice to examine Epstein’s ties with Democrats, specifically naming Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Paradoxically, he also described the “Epstein situation” as a “deception”.

Additional Updates from Friday

• The President stated he would file a lawsuit against the British broadcaster, even after an apology from the network. Trump claimed the lawsuit could seek between a billion and $5bn.
• Epstein reportedly advised former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to support the president’s agenda. Communications made public show his role in coaching Bannon.
• US military are developing plans for a divided Gaza, with a secure area under joint military oversight and a “red zone” left in ruins.
• Georgia prosecutor have reopened the sole ongoing legal case against the President after naming a replacement attorney.
• Trump changed trade measures by reducing taxes on food imports like various food items to combat rising costs.
• US and Switzerland concluded a trade agreement to lower tariffs on products from Switzerland from 39% to 15%.

Additional developments included calls to safeguard public lands, objections of an monitoring group, and a court approval for a settlement in the OxyContin case.