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On Friday, Pam Bondi assigned Jay Clayton to lead an investigation into political adversaries of Donald Trump and their links with the late financier. This move came just after the president instructed her to begin the probe.

In a statement, the Attorney General highlighted Jay Clayton as “a highly skilled and reliable legal expert”. The official added, “This case will be addressed with speed and honesty to ensure public transparency.”

This development contrasts with a July memo from federal authorities which declared that documents related to Epstein did not warrant additional investigations. According to the memo, investigators “did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties”

The President Calls for Scrutiny of Political Opponents in the Epstein Case

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

Newly public communications from Epstein have brought attention to Trump’s past involvement with the sex trafficker, including information that he was more aware of Epstein’s actions than earlier acknowledged.

On Friday, Trump declared he would direct the DOJ to investigate Epstein’s ties with Democrats, including Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Interestingly, he also referred to the “Epstein hoax” as a “deception”.

Additional Updates from the Day

• Trump announced he would take legal action against the British broadcaster, even after an apology from the network. He said the lawsuit could seek billions in damages.
• Epstein reportedly advised Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to support the president’s agenda. Communications made public show his involvement in coaching the influencer.
• US military are planning for a divided Gaza, with a “green zone” under international and Israeli control and a “red zone” left in ruins.
• Georgia prosecutor have reopened the last remaining criminal case against Trump after appointing a replacement attorney.
• The President reversed trade measures by cutting duties on imported goods like various food items to address rising costs.
• The two nations reached a trade agreement to reduce import taxes on products from Switzerland from 39% to 15%.

Additional developments featured appeals to protect national parks, objections of an antisemitism watchdog, and a court approval for a settlement in the Purdue Pharma lawsuit.