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This past Friday, Pam Bondi appointed interim US attorney Jay Clayton to head an inquiry into opponents of Donald Trump and their links with the late financier. This move came hours after Trump ordered her to begin the probe.

During an announcement, Bondi praised Clayton as “one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country”. She remarked, “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 justice department officials which stated that documents related to Epstein did not warrant further inquiries. According to the memo, authorities “did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties”

Trump Calls for Focus on Political Opponents in the Epstein Matter

This news coincides with increasing demands from the president on congressional Republicans to block the public disclosure of files concerning Epstein before an upcoming House vote next week. Many Republicans are anticipated to support the release.

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

That same day, the President announced he would direct the Department of Justice to examine Epstein’s ties with Democrats, specifically naming Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Interestingly, he also described the “Epstein situation” as a “deception”.

Other Updates from Friday

• Trump stated he would take legal action against the British broadcaster, despite a formal apology from the media outlet. Trump claimed the legal case could seek between a billion and $5bn.
• Jeffrey Epstein allegedly guided former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a 2018 media campaign to defend Trump’s policies. Text messages made public detail Epstein’s role in coaching Bannon.
• American forces are developing plans for a divided Gaza, with a secure area under joint military oversight and a restricted section unreconstructed.
• Georgia prosecutor have revived the last remaining criminal case against Trump after naming a replacement attorney.
• The President changed tariff policy by cutting taxes on food imports like various food items to combat inflation concerns.
• The two nations reached a trade agreement to reduce import taxes on Swiss goods from a significant decrease.

Other notable events included calls to protect national parks, objections of an monitoring group, and a court approval for a settlement in the Purdue Pharma lawsuit.