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On Friday, Pam Bondi appointed interim US attorney Jay Clayton to lead an investigation into political adversaries of the President and their links with Jeffrey Epstein. This decision came hours after the president ordered her to begin the investigation.

During an announcement, the Attorney General highlighted Clayton as “among the nation’s top prosecutors”. 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 contrasts with a recent memorandum from justice department officials which stated that the Epstein files did not warrant further inquiries. As per the memo, authorities “lacked sufficient evidence to pursue cases against other parties.”

Trump Demands Focus on Political Opponents in Epstein Case

This news coincides with growing pressure from Trump on congressional Republicans to block the full release of Epstein-related documents before an key congressional decision next week. Many Republicans are anticipated to support the release.

Recently released communications from Jeffrey Epstein have spotlighted Trump’s previous connections with the sex trafficker, revealing details that his knowledge of Epstein’s behavior exceeded prior admissions.

That same day, Trump declared he would direct the DOJ to investigate connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, including Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Paradoxically, Trump also described the “Epstein hoax” as a “deception”.

Other Updates from Friday

• Trump announced he would take legal action against the BBC, despite an apology from the media outlet. Trump claimed the legal case could seek between a billion and $5bn.
• Jeffrey Epstein reportedly guided Steve Bannon during a 2018 media campaign to support Trump’s policies. Text messages made public detail his involvement in coaching Bannon.
• American forces are developing plans for a divided Gaza, with a “green zone” under international and Israeli control and a restricted section unreconstructed.
• Georgia prosecutor have reopened the last remaining criminal case against the President after appointing a replacement attorney.
• Trump changed trade measures by cutting duties on imported goods like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to combat rising costs.
• The two nations concluded a trade agreement to lower import taxes on Swiss goods from a significant decrease.

Other notable events included appeals to protect national parks, criticism of an antisemitism watchdog, and a judge’s decision for a resolution in the Purdue Pharma case.