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This past Friday, Pam Bondi assigned interim US attorney Jay Clayton to head an investigation into political adversaries of Donald Trump and their links with the late financier. This action came just after Trump ordered her to initiate the probe.

In a statement, Bondi highlighted Jay 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 appears to contradict a July memo from justice department officials which stated that the Epstein files did not warrant additional investigations. According to the memo, investigators “found no proof justifying probes into uncharged individuals”

The President Calls for Scrutiny of Political Opponents in the Epstein Case

The announcement comes as growing demands from Trump on congressional Republicans to resist the full release of files concerning Epstein before an key congressional decision next week. Several lawmakers are expected to support the release.

Recently released emails from Jeffrey Epstein have brought attention to Trump’s past involvement with the convicted criminal, revealing details that he was more aware of Epstein’s actions than earlier acknowledged.

That same day, Trump declared he would direct the Department of Justice to investigate Epstein’s ties with Democrats, specifically naming Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Interestingly, Trump also referred to the “Epstein hoax” as a “deception”.

Other Developments from Friday

• The President stated he would file a lawsuit against the BBC, even after an apology from the network. He said the lawsuit could seek billions in damages.
• Epstein reportedly guided former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a 2018 media campaign to support Trump’s policies. Communications released show his role in coaching the influencer.
• American forces are developing plans for a divided Gaza, with a secure area under international and Israeli control and a “red zone” unreconstructed.
• Georgia prosecutor have reopened the last remaining criminal case against Trump after naming a new lead prosecutor.
• Trump reversed tariff policy by reducing duties on imported goods like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to combat inflation concerns.
• The two nations reached a trade agreement to lower import taxes on products from Switzerland from 39% to 15%.

Other notable events included calls to safeguard public lands, criticism of an antisemitism watchdog, and a judge’s decision for a resolution in the OxyContin lawsuit.