Attorney General Announces Inquiry into Trump Rivals and Epstein Links
On Friday, Pam Bondi appointed interim US attorney Jay Clayton to head an investigation into political adversaries of the President and their links with the late financier. This move came hours after the president instructed her to launch the investigation.
During an announcement, Bondi praised Clayton as “among the nation’s top prosecutors”. The official stated, “The department will handle this matter promptly and thoroughly to provide clarity for citizens.”
This development seems to diverge from a July memo from federal authorities which declared that the Epstein files did not warrant additional investigations. As per the memo, investigators “did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties”
The President Demands Scrutiny of Political Opponents in Epstein Case
This news comes as growing demands from Trump on congressional Republicans to resist the full release of Epstein-related documents before an key congressional decision in the coming days. Many Republicans are expected to support the release.
Newly public emails from Jeffrey Epstein have brought attention to the president’s previous connections with the convicted criminal, revealing details that his knowledge of Epstein’s behavior exceeded prior admissions.
That same day, Trump announced he would direct the DOJ to investigate Epstein’s ties with Democrats, including prominent individuals such as Clinton, Summers, and Hoffman. Interestingly, he also referred to the “Epstein situation” as a “scam”.
Additional Updates from the Day
- The President stated he would take legal action against the British broadcaster, even after an apology from the network. Trump said the lawsuit could seek between a billion and $5bn.
- Jeffrey Epstein allegedly advised former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to support Trump’s policies. Communications made public show Epstein’s involvement in coaching Bannon.
- US military are developing plans for a divided Gaza, with a “green zone” under joint military oversight and a restricted section unreconstructed.
- Georgia prosecutor have reopened the sole ongoing legal case against Trump after appointing a new lead prosecutor.
- Trump reversed tariff policy 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 Swiss goods from a significant decrease.
Other notable events included calls to safeguard public lands, criticism of an monitoring group, and a judge’s decision for a resolution in the Purdue Pharma lawsuit.
