Bondi Discloses Probe into Trump Adversaries and Epstein Connections
On Friday, the Attorney General designated Jay Clayton to head an investigation into opponents of Donald Trump and their links with Jeffrey Epstein. This move came shortly after Trump ordered her to initiate the probe.
In a statement, the Attorney General highlighted Jay 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 contrasts with a July memo from justice department officials which stated that documents related to Epstein did not warrant further inquiries. According to the memo, investigators “lacked sufficient evidence to pursue cases against other parties.”
The President Calls for Scrutiny of Political Opponents in the Epstein Matter
The announcement comes as increasing demands from Trump on congressional Republicans to oppose the full release of files concerning Epstein before an upcoming House vote in the coming days. Several lawmakers are anticipated to support the release.
Recently released emails from Jeffrey Epstein have highlighted the president’s previous connections with the convicted criminal, including information that he was more aware of Epstein’s actions than earlier acknowledged.
On Friday, Trump declared he would ask the Department of Justice to investigate connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, including Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Paradoxically, he also described the “Epstein hoax” as a “deception”.
Other Developments from Friday
- Trump stated he would take legal action against the BBC, despite a formal apology from the network. Trump said the legal case could seek billions in damages.
- Jeffrey Epstein allegedly guided Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to support Trump’s policies. Text messages released detail Epstein’s role in coaching the influencer.
- American forces are developing plans for a divided Gaza, with a secure area under joint military oversight and a “red zone” unreconstructed.
- State officials have reopened the last remaining criminal case against Trump after naming a replacement attorney.
- The President reversed trade measures by reducing duties on food imports like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to combat inflation concerns.
- US and Switzerland reached a deal to lower import taxes on products from Switzerland from 39% to 15%.
Additional developments featured calls to protect national parks, criticism of an antisemitism watchdog, and a judge’s decision for a resolution in the OxyContin case.
