Bondi Announces Inquiry into Trump Rivals and Epstein Links
On Friday, the Attorney General assigned Jay Clayton to oversee an investigation into political adversaries of the President and their links with Jeffrey Epstein. This action came just after Trump directed her to launch the investigation.
During an announcement, the Attorney General highlighted Clayton as “a highly skilled and reliable legal expert”. She added, “The department will handle this matter promptly and thoroughly to provide clarity for citizens.”
This development contrasts with a July memo from justice department officials which indicated that documents related to Epstein did not warrant further inquiries. According to the memo, investigators “lacked sufficient evidence to pursue cases against other parties.”
Trump Calls for Focus on Democrats in Epstein Case
This news comes as growing demands from the president on congressional Republicans to oppose the full release of files concerning Epstein ahead of an upcoming House vote in the coming days. Several lawmakers are anticipated to back the disclosure.
Recently released emails from Epstein have brought attention to Trump’s previous connections with the sex trafficker, revealing information that his knowledge of Epstein’s behavior exceeded prior admissions.
That same day, the President declared he would direct the Department of Justice to examine connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, specifically naming Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Interestingly, he also described the “Epstein hoax” as a “deception”.
Other Updates from Friday
- The President stated he would file a lawsuit against the British broadcaster, even after an apology from the media outlet. Trump said the lawsuit could seek between a billion and $5bn.
- Epstein reportedly advised former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a 2018 media campaign to support the president’s agenda. Communications released detail his role in advising Bannon.
- US military are developing plans for a partitioned Gaza, with a “green zone” under joint military oversight and a restricted section unreconstructed.
- State officials have reopened the sole ongoing legal case against Trump after appointing a new lead prosecutor.
- The President reversed tariff policy by reducing taxes on imported goods like various food items to address inflation concerns.
- The two nations concluded a trade agreement to reduce import taxes on products from Switzerland from a significant decrease.
Other notable events featured appeals to safeguard public lands, criticism of an antisemitism watchdog, and a judge’s decision for a settlement in the OxyContin lawsuit.
