Bondi Discloses Inquiry into Trump Opponents and Epstein Ties

On Friday, the Attorney General designated interim US attorney Jay Clayton to head an investigation into political adversaries of the President and their relationships with Jeffrey Epstein. This move came just after Trump directed her to begin the investigation.

In a statement, the Attorney General praised Clayton as “one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country”. She remarked, “As with all matters, the department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American people.”

This action appears to contradict a July memo from justice department officials which declared that documents related to Epstein did not warrant additional investigations. As per the memo, investigators “did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties”

The President Calls for Focus on Political Opponents in Epstein Matter

This news comes as increasing demands from Trump on congressional Republicans to block the full release of Epstein-related documents ahead of an key congressional decision next week. Many Republicans are anticipated to back the release.

Newly public emails from Epstein have highlighted Trump’s past involvement with the convicted criminal, revealing information that he knew more about Epstein’s conduct than he has previously let on.

On Friday, Trump declared he would ask the Department of Justice to examine connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, including prominent individuals such as Clinton, Summers, and Hoffman. Paradoxically, he also described the “Epstein situation” as a “deception”.

Additional Developments from the Day

• Trump stated he would file a lawsuit against the British broadcaster, even after an apology from the network. He claimed the legal case could seek between a billion and $5bn.
• Jeffrey Epstein allegedly guided Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to defend the president’s agenda. Text messages made public show Epstein’s involvement in coaching the influencer.
• American forces are developing plans for a partitioned Gaza, with a secure area under international and Israeli control and a restricted section left in ruins.
• State officials have revived the sole ongoing legal case against Trump after appointing a replacement attorney.
• The President changed tariff policy by reducing duties on imported goods like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to combat inflation concerns.
• US and Switzerland concluded a trade agreement to lower tariffs on Swiss goods from 39% to 15%.

Additional developments featured appeals to protect national parks, objections of an monitoring group, and a court approval for a resolution in the OxyContin case.