Bondi Reveals Inquiry into Trump Opponents and Jeffrey Epstein Ties

On Friday, the Attorney General appointed interim US attorney Jay Clayton to head an inquiry into political adversaries of Donald Trump and their links with Jeffrey Epstein. This move came hours after the president instructed her to launch the probe.

In a statement, Bondi highlighted Clayton as “a highly skilled and reliable legal expert”. The official added, “As with all matters, the department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American people.”

This action contrasts with a July memo from justice department officials which declared that documents related to Epstein lacked grounds for additional investigations. According to the memo, authorities “lacked sufficient evidence to pursue cases against other parties.”

Trump Demands Scrutiny of Political Opponents in Epstein Case

This news comes as growing pressure from the president on congressional Republicans to block the full release of files concerning Epstein ahead of an upcoming House vote next week. Several lawmakers are expected to support the disclosure.

Newly public communications from Epstein have spotlighted the president’s previous connections with the convicted criminal, including details that he was more aware of Epstein’s actions than earlier acknowledged.

On Friday, the President announced he would direct the Department of Justice to examine connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, including prominent individuals such as Clinton, Summers, and Hoffman. Interestingly, Trump also described the “Epstein situation” as a “deception”.

Additional Updates from Friday

• Trump announced he would take legal action against the British broadcaster, even after an apology from the network. Trump said the legal case could seek between a billion and $5bn.
• Epstein reportedly advised former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to support the president’s agenda. Text messages released show his involvement in coaching the influencer.
• 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 the President after appointing a new lead prosecutor.
• Trump reversed tariff policy by reducing duties on imported goods like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to address inflation concerns.
• The two nations concluded a deal to lower tariffs on products from Switzerland from 39% to 15%.

Additional developments included calls to protect national parks, criticism of an monitoring group, and a court approval for a resolution in the OxyContin lawsuit.