Bondi Announces Inquiry into Trump Rivals and Epstein Connections
On Friday, the Attorney General appointed Jay Clayton to lead an inquiry into opponents of Donald Trump and their connections with the late financier. This decision came shortly after Trump instructed her to initiate the investigation.
During an announcement, Bondi highlighted Jay Clayton as “a highly skilled and reliable legal expert”. The official stated, “The department will handle this matter promptly and thoroughly to provide clarity for citizens.”
This development seems to diverge from a July memo from justice department officials which stated that the Epstein files lacked grounds for further inquiries. As per the memo, investigators “lacked sufficient evidence to pursue cases against other parties.”
Trump Demands Scrutiny of Political Opponents in Epstein Matter
The announcement coincides with increasing pressure from Trump on lawmakers to block the full release of files concerning Epstein before an key congressional decision in the coming days. Many Republicans are anticipated to back the disclosure.
Recently released communications from Jeffrey Epstein have spotlighted the president’s previous connections with the sex trafficker, including information that his knowledge of Epstein’s behavior exceeded prior admissions.
On Friday, the President declared he would ask the DOJ to investigate connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, specifically naming prominent individuals such as Clinton, Summers, and Hoffman. Interestingly, Trump also referred to the “Epstein situation” as a “deception”.
Other Developments from the Day
- Trump stated he would take legal action against the BBC, despite a formal apology from the media outlet. He claimed the legal case could seek between a billion and $5bn.
- Jeffrey Epstein allegedly advised Steve Bannon during a 2018 media campaign to defend the president’s agenda. Communications made public show Epstein’s involvement in coaching Bannon.
- US military are developing plans for a divided Gaza, with a “green zone” under joint military oversight and a “red zone” left in ruins.
- Georgia prosecutor have reopened the last remaining criminal case against the President after naming a new lead prosecutor.
- The President changed trade measures by cutting taxes on imported goods like various food items to address inflation concerns.
- The two nations concluded a deal to reduce import taxes on Swiss goods from a significant decrease.
Other notable events included appeals to safeguard public lands, criticism of an antisemitism watchdog, and a judge’s decision for a settlement in the Purdue Pharma case.
