Attorney General Discloses Inquiry into Trump Rivals and Jeffrey Epstein Links

On Friday, the Attorney General designated interim US attorney Jay Clayton to head an probe into political adversaries of the President and their connections with Jeffrey Epstein. This decision came just after Trump ordered her to initiate the investigation.

During an announcement, Bondi praised Jay Clayton as “a highly skilled and reliable legal expert”. She stated, “As with all matters, the department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American people.”

This development contrasts with a recent memorandum from federal authorities which declared that documents related to Epstein lacked grounds for additional investigations. As per the document, authorities “found no proof justifying probes into uncharged individuals”

The President Calls for Focus on Political Opponents in Epstein Case

The announcement coincides with growing demands from the president on lawmakers to block the public disclosure of files concerning Epstein ahead of an upcoming House vote next week. Several lawmakers are anticipated to back the release.

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

On Friday, the President declared he would ask the Department of Justice to examine connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, including Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Paradoxically, he also described the “Epstein hoax” as a “scam”.

Other Developments from the Day

• The President announced he would file a lawsuit against the British broadcaster, despite a formal apology from the network. Trump said the lawsuit could seek billions in damages.
• Jeffrey Epstein reportedly advised former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a 2018 media campaign to defend the president’s agenda. Text messages released detail his role in advising Bannon.
• American forces are planning for a divided Gaza, with a “green zone” under joint military oversight and a restricted section unreconstructed.
• State officials have reopened the sole ongoing legal case against Trump after naming a new lead prosecutor.
• Trump reversed trade measures by cutting duties on food imports like various food items to combat inflation concerns.
• The two nations reached a deal to lower tariffs on products from Switzerland from 39% to 15%.

Other notable events featured appeals to safeguard public lands, criticism of an monitoring group, and a court approval for a settlement in the OxyContin lawsuit.