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This past Friday, Pam Bondi designated Jay Clayton to lead an probe into opponents of Donald Trump and their links with the late financier. This move came just after the president instructed her to initiate the investigation.

In a statement, Bondi commended Clayton as “one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country”. The official stated, “This case will be addressed with speed and honesty to ensure public transparency.”

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

The President Demands Scrutiny of Democrats in the Epstein Case

This news coincides with growing pressure from the president on congressional Republicans to oppose the full release of files concerning Epstein before an upcoming House vote next week. Many Republicans are anticipated to back the release.

Newly public communications from Epstein have highlighted Trump’s past involvement with the convicted criminal, revealing details that his knowledge of Epstein’s behavior exceeded prior admissions.

That same day, Trump declared he would direct the DOJ to examine connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, including Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Interestingly, he also described the “Epstein situation” as a “scam”.

Other Developments from Friday

• The President announced he would file a lawsuit against the British broadcaster, even after an apology from the network. Trump said the legal case could seek billions in damages.
• Jeffrey Epstein allegedly advised former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to defend the president’s agenda. Communications made public detail Epstein’s role in advising the influencer.
• US military are developing plans for a divided Gaza, with a “green zone” under joint military oversight and a “red zone” unreconstructed.
• State officials have reopened the last remaining criminal case against Trump after appointing a replacement attorney.
• Trump reversed trade measures by cutting taxes on food imports like various food items to address rising costs.
• US and Switzerland concluded a trade agreement to lower import taxes on products from Switzerland from 39% to 15%.

Additional developments included calls to safeguard public lands, objections of an monitoring group, and a judge’s decision for a resolution in the Purdue Pharma lawsuit.