This past Friday, Pam Bondi appointed Jay Clayton to head an investigation into political adversaries of the President and their connections with Jeffrey Epstein. This action came hours after the president ordered her to initiate the investigation.
In a statement, the Attorney General commended Clayton as “among the nation’s top prosecutors”. She remarked, “As with all matters, the department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American people.”
This action seems to diverge from a recent memorandum from federal authorities which indicated that documents related to Epstein 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 Democrats in Epstein Case
This news comes as growing demands from the president on congressional Republicans to block the public disclosure of Epstein-related documents ahead of an upcoming House vote next week. Many Republicans 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 direct the DOJ to examine connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, specifically naming Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Interestingly, Trump also described the “Epstein hoax” as a “deception”.
Additional Updates from the Day
- Trump announced he would take legal action against the British broadcaster, even after an apology from the network. He said the legal case could seek between a billion and $5bn.
- Jeffrey Epstein allegedly guided Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to support Trump’s policies. Communications made public show Epstein’s role in advising Bannon.
- US military are developing plans for a divided Gaza, with a “green zone” under joint military oversight and a “red zone” unreconstructed.
- Georgia prosecutor have reopened the sole ongoing legal case against Trump after appointing a replacement attorney.
- The President changed trade measures by cutting duties on imported goods like various food items to combat rising costs.
- The two nations reached a deal to lower tariffs on Swiss goods from 39% to 15%.
Other notable events included calls to protect national parks, criticism of an antisemitism watchdog, and a judge’s decision for a resolution in the OxyContin lawsuit.
