Bondi Discloses Inquiry into President's Adversaries and Jeffrey Epstein Ties
On Friday, the Attorney General assigned interim US attorney Jay Clayton to oversee an probe into political adversaries of Donald Trump and their connections with Jeffrey Epstein. This decision came just after Trump instructed her to initiate the investigation.
During an announcement, Bondi praised Clayton as “one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country”. The official stated, “The department will handle this matter promptly and thoroughly to provide clarity for citizens.”
This action contrasts with a July memo from justice department officials which declared that the Epstein files lacked grounds for additional investigations. As per the document, authorities “lacked sufficient evidence to pursue cases against other parties.”
Trump Calls for Scrutiny of Political Opponents in Epstein Case
The announcement 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.
Recently released emails from Epstein have spotlighted Trump’s previous connections with the convicted criminal, revealing details that he knew more about Epstein’s conduct than he has previously let on.
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, Trump also referred to the “Epstein hoax” as a “scam”.
Other Developments from Friday
- Trump announced he would file a lawsuit against the British broadcaster, despite an apology from the network. He said the lawsuit could seek between a billion and $5bn.
- Jeffrey Epstein allegedly advised Steve Bannon during a 2018 media campaign to support Trump’s policies. Text messages released detail his involvement in coaching Bannon.
- American forces are developing plans 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 sole ongoing legal case against Trump after naming a new lead prosecutor.
- The President reversed tariff policy by cutting taxes on food imports like various food items to combat rising costs.
- US and Switzerland reached a deal to lower tariffs on Swiss goods from a significant decrease.
Other notable events included appeals to safeguard public lands, objections of an antisemitism watchdog, and a judge’s decision for a resolution in the Purdue Pharma case.
