Bondi Announces Probe into Trump Rivals and Jeffrey Epstein Links
On Friday, the Attorney General assigned interim US attorney Jay Clayton to head an inquiry into political adversaries of Donald Trump and their links with the late financier. This decision came just after the president ordered her to launch the investigation.
In a statement, Bondi highlighted Jay Clayton as “among the nation’s top prosecutors”. The official stated, “This case will be addressed with speed and honesty to ensure public transparency.”
This development appears to contradict a July memo from justice department officials which indicated that the Epstein files did not warrant additional investigations. As per the memo, authorities “found no proof justifying probes into uncharged individuals”
Trump Calls for Scrutiny of Political Opponents in Epstein Case
This news coincides with increasing pressure from the president on congressional Republicans to block the public disclosure of Epstein-related documents ahead of an upcoming House vote in the coming days. Many Republicans are anticipated to support the release.
Recently released emails from Epstein have spotlighted Trump’s previous connections with the convicted criminal, revealing information 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 investigate Epstein’s ties with Democrats, including Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Interestingly, he also referred to the “Epstein hoax” as a “scam”.
Additional Developments from Friday
- Trump stated he would take legal action against the British broadcaster, even after an apology from the network. Trump said the lawsuit could seek billions in damages.
- Epstein allegedly guided Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to defend the president’s agenda. Communications made public show his involvement in coaching the influencer.
- American forces are planning for a divided Gaza, with a secure area under international and Israeli control and a “red zone” unreconstructed.
- Georgia prosecutor have revived the last remaining criminal case against Trump after naming a replacement attorney.
- Trump reversed trade measures by reducing taxes on food imports like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to address inflation concerns.
- US and Switzerland concluded a trade agreement to lower import taxes on Swiss goods from 39% to 15%.
Additional developments included calls to protect national parks, criticism of an antisemitism watchdog, and a court approval for a resolution in the Purdue Pharma case.