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This past Friday, Pam Bondi appointed interim US attorney Jay Clayton to head an inquiry into political adversaries of Donald Trump and their relationships with the late financier. This action came just after the president instructed her to launch the investigation.

During an announcement, the Attorney General commended Jay Clayton as “among the nation’s top prosecutors”. She added, “This case will be addressed with speed and honesty to ensure public transparency.”

This action appears to contradict a July memo from federal authorities which stated that the Epstein files lacked grounds for further inquiries. According to the memo, investigators “found no proof justifying probes into uncharged individuals”

The President Demands Scrutiny of Democrats in the Epstein Matter

This news coincides with growing demands from Trump on congressional Republicans to block the public disclosure of files concerning Epstein before an upcoming House vote in the coming days. Many Republicans are anticipated to back the release.

Recently released communications from Jeffrey Epstein have highlighted the president’s previous connections with the convicted criminal, including details that he knew more about Epstein’s conduct than he has previously let on.

On Friday, Trump declared he would ask the Department of Justice to examine Epstein’s ties with Democrats, including Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Interestingly, he also described the “Epstein situation” as a “scam”.

Additional Developments from Friday

• Trump stated he would file a lawsuit against the British broadcaster, even after an apology from the media outlet. He said the legal case could seek between a billion and $5bn.
• Epstein allegedly advised Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to support the president’s agenda. Communications released show his involvement in advising Bannon.
• US military are developing plans for a partitioned Gaza, with a secure area under joint military oversight and a restricted section unreconstructed.
• State officials have reopened the last remaining criminal case against Trump after naming a replacement attorney.
• The President reversed trade measures by cutting duties on food imports like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to address rising costs.
• US and Switzerland concluded a deal to reduce tariffs on Swiss goods from a significant decrease.

Additional developments included calls to safeguard public lands, criticism of an antisemitism watchdog, and a judge’s decision for a resolution in the Purdue Pharma lawsuit.