Attorney General Discloses Probe into President's Rivals and Epstein Connections

On Friday, Pam Bondi appointed interim US attorney Jay Clayton to lead an probe into opponents of Donald Trump and their links with Jeffrey Epstein. This move came shortly after Trump instructed her to launch the investigation.

In a statement, Bondi highlighted Clayton as “among the nation’s top prosecutors”. The official added, “The department will handle this matter promptly and thoroughly to provide clarity for citizens.”

This action contrasts with a July memo from justice department officials which declared that the Epstein files did not warrant further inquiries. As per the document, authorities “did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties”

The President Demands Focus on Democrats in Epstein Case

The announcement comes as increasing pressure from Trump on lawmakers to resist the public disclosure of files concerning Epstein ahead of an key congressional decision in the coming days. Several lawmakers are anticipated to back the release.

Recently released communications from Epstein have brought attention to the president’s previous connections with the convicted criminal, including details that he was more aware of Epstein’s actions than earlier acknowledged.

On Friday, Trump declared he would direct the Department of Justice to investigate Epstein’s ties with Democrats, including Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Interestingly, Trump also referred to the “Epstein situation” as a “deception”.

Additional Developments from Friday

• Trump announced he would file a lawsuit against the British broadcaster, even after an apology from the media outlet. Trump said the lawsuit could seek billions in damages.
• Epstein reportedly advised Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to defend the president’s agenda. Text messages made public detail his role in coaching the influencer.
• US military are planning for a partitioned Gaza, with a secure area under international and Israeli control and a restricted section unreconstructed.
• State officials have reopened the last remaining criminal case against Trump after naming a new lead prosecutor.
• The President changed trade measures by reducing taxes on food imports like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to address rising costs.
• US and Switzerland concluded a trade agreement to lower tariffs on Swiss goods from a significant decrease.

Other notable events featured calls to protect national parks, objections of an monitoring group, and a judge’s decision for a settlement in the OxyContin lawsuit.