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This past Friday, Pam Bondi assigned interim US attorney Jay Clayton to head an probe into political adversaries of the President and their links with Jeffrey Epstein. This move came shortly after the president instructed her to initiate the probe.

During an announcement, Bondi commended Jay Clayton as “a highly skilled and reliable legal expert”. She remarked, “As with all matters, the department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American people.”

This action appears to contradict a July memo from justice department officials which indicated that the Epstein files lacked grounds for additional investigations. According to the document, authorities “did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties”

The President Demands Focus on Political Opponents in Epstein Case

The announcement comes as increasing demands from Trump on lawmakers to oppose the full release of Epstein-related documents ahead of an key congressional decision next week. Several lawmakers are anticipated to back the disclosure.

Newly public communications from Epstein have highlighted Trump’s past involvement with the convicted criminal, including information that he knew more about Epstein’s conduct than he has previously let on.

On Friday, Trump announced he would ask the DOJ to examine connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, specifically naming prominent individuals such as Clinton, Summers, and Hoffman. Paradoxically, Trump also described the “Epstein hoax” as a “deception”.

Additional Updates from the Day

• Trump stated he would file a lawsuit against the BBC, even after a formal apology from the network. He claimed the lawsuit could seek billions in damages.
• Jeffrey Epstein allegedly guided Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to support the president’s agenda. Communications released show Epstein’s involvement in advising the influencer.
• American forces are developing plans for a divided Gaza, with a “green zone” under joint military oversight and a restricted section unreconstructed.
• State officials have reopened the sole ongoing legal case against the President after appointing a new lead prosecutor.
• Trump changed tariff policy by cutting taxes on imported goods like various food items to combat inflation concerns.
• The two nations reached a deal to lower import taxes on products from Switzerland 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 settlement in the Purdue Pharma case.