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On Friday, Pam Bondi assigned interim US attorney Jay Clayton to lead an probe into political adversaries of Donald Trump and their connections with the late financier. This decision came shortly after Trump directed her to begin the probe.

In a statement, the Attorney General commended 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 action contrasts with a July memo from federal authorities which indicated that the Epstein files did not warrant additional investigations. According to the document, investigators “did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties”

Trump Calls for Scrutiny of Democrats in Epstein Matter

This news coincides with growing demands from the president on lawmakers to resist the public disclosure of Epstein-related documents ahead of an upcoming House vote next week. Many Republicans are anticipated to support the release.

Newly public communications from Epstein have spotlighted Trump’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, the President declared he would ask the Department of Justice to examine Epstein’s ties with Democrats, specifically naming prominent individuals such as Clinton, Summers, and Hoffman. Interestingly, Trump also described the “Epstein hoax” as a “scam”.

Additional Updates from the Day

• Trump stated he would file a lawsuit against the BBC, even after a formal apology from the media outlet. Trump said the legal case could seek billions in damages.
• Epstein allegedly guided former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a 2018 media campaign to defend the president’s agenda. Text messages made public detail his role in advising the influencer.
• US military are developing plans for a divided Gaza, with a secure area under international and Israeli control and a “red zone” left in ruins.
• Georgia prosecutor have revived the last remaining criminal case against the President after naming a replacement attorney.
• Trump changed trade measures by reducing duties on imported goods like various food items to address inflation concerns.
• US and Switzerland reached a deal to lower import taxes on products from Switzerland from 39% to 15%.

Additional developments included calls to safeguard public lands, criticism of an monitoring group, and a court approval for a resolution in the OxyContin lawsuit.