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On Friday, Pam Bondi appointed Jay Clayton to head an inquiry into political adversaries of Donald Trump and their links with the late financier. This decision came shortly after Trump instructed her to initiate the investigation.

During an announcement, the Attorney General commended Clayton as “among the nation’s top prosecutors”. She remarked, “The department will handle this matter promptly and thoroughly to provide clarity for citizens.”

This development seems to diverge from a July memo from federal authorities which declared that the Epstein files lacked grounds for further inquiries. According to the memo, investigators “did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties”

The President Calls for Scrutiny of Democrats in Epstein Matter

This news coincides with increasing pressure from the president on congressional Republicans to oppose 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 the president’s previous connections with the convicted criminal, revealing details that he knew more about Epstein’s conduct than he has previously let on.

That same day, Trump declared he would direct the DOJ to examine connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, specifically naming prominent individuals such as Clinton, Summers, and Hoffman. Interestingly, he also described the “Epstein situation” as a “scam”.

Other Updates from Friday

• The President announced he would take legal action against the British broadcaster, even after a formal apology from the network. He said the lawsuit could seek between a billion and $5bn.
• Epstein reportedly guided former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a 2018 media campaign to defend Trump’s policies. Communications released detail Epstein’s involvement in advising Bannon.
• American forces are planning for a divided Gaza, with a secure area under joint military oversight and a “red zone” left in ruins.
• State officials have revived the sole ongoing legal case against the President after naming a replacement attorney.
• The President reversed tariff policy by reducing taxes on food imports like various food items to address inflation concerns.
• US and Switzerland concluded a deal to reduce import taxes on Swiss goods from a significant decrease.

Additional developments featured calls to protect national parks, criticism of an antisemitism watchdog, and a court approval for a resolution in the OxyContin case.