Attorney General Discloses Probe into President's Rivals and Epstein Ties
On Friday, Pam Bondi assigned interim US attorney Jay Clayton to oversee an investigation into opponents of the President and their relationships with Jeffrey Epstein. This move came just after Trump instructed her to launch the investigation.
In a statement, the Attorney General praised Clayton as “a highly skilled and reliable legal expert”. She added, “This case will be addressed with speed and honesty to ensure public transparency.”
This development appears to contradict a July memo from justice department officials which declared that the Epstein files lacked grounds for additional investigations. As per the memo, investigators “found no proof justifying probes into uncharged individuals”
Trump Demands Scrutiny of Democrats in Epstein Matter
This news coincides with increasing pressure from Trump on congressional Republicans to block the public disclosure of files concerning Epstein before an upcoming House vote in the coming days. Several lawmakers are expected to support the disclosure.
Recently released communications from Jeffrey Epstein have highlighted Trump’s past involvement with the sex trafficker, including information that he was more aware of Epstein’s actions than earlier acknowledged.
On Friday, Trump declared he would ask the DOJ to investigate connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, specifically naming prominent individuals such as Clinton, Summers, and Hoffman. Interestingly, Trump also referred to the “Epstein hoax” as a “scam”.
Other Developments from the Day
- Trump stated he would file a lawsuit against the British broadcaster, even after an apology from the media outlet. Trump claimed the lawsuit could seek between a billion and $5bn.
- Jeffrey Epstein allegedly advised Steve Bannon during a 2018 media campaign to defend Trump’s policies. Communications made public show his role in advising Bannon.
- American forces are planning for a partitioned Gaza, with a secure area under international and Israeli control and a restricted section unreconstructed.
- Georgia prosecutor have revived the last remaining criminal case against the President after naming a replacement attorney.
- The President reversed trade measures by reducing duties on imported goods like various food items to address rising costs.
- US and Switzerland concluded a deal to lower import taxes on Swiss goods from a significant decrease.
Additional developments featured calls to protect national parks, criticism of an antisemitism watchdog, and a judge’s decision for a settlement in the Purdue Pharma case.
