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On Friday, Pam Bondi assigned interim US attorney Jay Clayton to head an probe into political adversaries of the President and their relationships with the late financier. This decision came hours after the president ordered her to initiate the investigation.

During an announcement, Bondi praised Clayton as “a highly skilled and reliable legal expert”. She added, “This case will be addressed with speed and honesty to ensure public transparency.”

This development appears to contradict a recent memorandum from justice department officials which declared that documents related to Epstein lacked grounds for additional investigations. According to the document, investigators “did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties”

Trump Demands Scrutiny of Democrats in the Epstein Case

The announcement coincides with growing demands from the president on congressional Republicans to resist the full release of files concerning Epstein before an upcoming House vote in the coming days. Several lawmakers are anticipated to support the disclosure.

Recently released emails from Epstein have highlighted the president’s past involvement with the convicted criminal, including details that his knowledge of Epstein’s behavior exceeded prior admissions.

On Friday, the President announced he would direct the DOJ to investigate connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, including Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Paradoxically, Trump also described the “Epstein hoax” as a “deception”.

Other Developments from the Day

• Trump announced he would file a lawsuit against the British broadcaster, even after a formal apology from the network. He claimed the legal case could seek billions in damages.
• Epstein reportedly advised Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to defend the president’s agenda. Communications released show Epstein’s involvement in advising the influencer.
• American forces are developing plans for a divided Gaza, with a secure area under international and Israeli control and a restricted section left in ruins.
• State officials have reopened the sole ongoing legal case against the President after naming a new lead prosecutor.
• Trump changed tariff policy by cutting taxes on imported goods like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to combat rising costs.
• US and Switzerland reached a deal to lower tariffs on Swiss goods from a significant decrease.

Additional developments included appeals to protect national parks, criticism of an antisemitism watchdog, and a court approval for a resolution in the Purdue Pharma lawsuit.