Attorney General Announces Investigation into Trump Adversaries and Jeffrey Epstein Ties
On Friday, Pam Bondi assigned interim US attorney Jay Clayton to head an probe into political adversaries of Donald Trump and their relationships with the late financier. This move came hours after Trump ordered her to launch the investigation.
In a statement, Bondi commended Jay 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 contrasts with a July memo from federal authorities which stated that documents related to Epstein lacked grounds for further inquiries. According to the memo, authorities “found no proof justifying probes into uncharged individuals”
Trump Calls for Scrutiny of Democrats in Epstein Matter
This news comes as increasing pressure from Trump on lawmakers to resist the full release of Epstein-related documents before an upcoming House vote next week. Many Republicans are anticipated to back the release.
Newly public communications from Jeffrey Epstein have brought attention to Trump’s past involvement with the convicted criminal, including details that he knew more about Epstein’s conduct than he has previously let on.
On Friday, Trump announced he would ask the Department of Justice to examine Epstein’s ties with Democrats, specifically naming Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Interestingly, Trump also referred to the “Epstein hoax” as a “scam”.
Other Developments from Friday
- Trump stated he would file a lawsuit against the British broadcaster, even after an apology from the network. He said the lawsuit could seek between a billion and $5bn.
- Jeffrey Epstein allegedly advised former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to support the president’s agenda. Communications released show his role in advising Bannon.
- US military are planning for a divided Gaza, with a “green zone” under international and Israeli control and a restricted section left in ruins.
- State officials have revived the last remaining criminal case against Trump after naming a replacement attorney.
- Trump changed trade measures by cutting taxes on imported goods like various food items to combat inflation concerns.
- The two nations concluded a deal to lower import taxes on Swiss goods from a significant decrease.
Additional developments featured calls to safeguard public lands, objections of an antisemitism watchdog, and a judge’s decision for a settlement in the OxyContin lawsuit.
