Attorney General Announces Probe into Trump Rivals and Epstein Ties

On Friday, the Attorney General appointed interim US attorney Jay Clayton to lead an probe into opponents of Donald Trump and their connections with Jeffrey Epstein. This decision came just after Trump ordered her to initiate the investigation.

In a statement, Bondi highlighted Clayton as “one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country”. She remarked, “The department will handle this matter promptly and thoroughly to provide clarity for citizens.”

This development appears to contradict a July memo from justice department officials which indicated that documents related to Epstein lacked grounds for further inquiries. As per the memo, investigators “found no proof justifying probes into uncharged individuals”

Trump Calls for Focus on Democrats in Epstein Matter

The announcement coincides with growing demands from the president on lawmakers to resist 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 the president’s previous connections with the sex trafficker, including details that his knowledge of Epstein’s behavior exceeded prior admissions.

That same day, the President declared he would ask the Department of Justice to examine connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, including prominent individuals such as Clinton, Summers, and Hoffman. Interestingly, Trump also described the “Epstein hoax” as a “scam”.

Other Developments from Friday

• Trump announced he would take legal action against the BBC, despite a formal apology from the network. Trump said the lawsuit could seek between a billion and $5bn.
• Jeffrey Epstein reportedly guided Steve Bannon during a 2018 media campaign to defend Trump’s policies. Communications made public detail Epstein’s involvement in advising Bannon.
• American forces are planning for a divided Gaza, with a “green zone” under international and Israeli control and a “red zone” unreconstructed.
• State officials have reopened the last remaining criminal case against Trump after naming a replacement attorney.
• The President reversed trade measures by reducing duties on imported goods like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to address rising costs.
• US and Switzerland reached a trade agreement to reduce import taxes on Swiss goods from a significant decrease.

Other notable events featured appeals to safeguard public lands, criticism of an antisemitism watchdog, and a court approval for a resolution in the OxyContin lawsuit.