Attorney General Discloses Investigation into Trump Adversaries and Epstein Links
This past Friday, the Attorney General designated interim US attorney Jay Clayton to head an investigation into political adversaries of the President and their relationships with Jeffrey Epstein. This move came hours after the president instructed her to begin the probe.
In a statement, Bondi commended Jay Clayton as “a highly skilled and reliable legal expert”. She stated, “The department will handle this matter promptly and thoroughly to provide clarity for citizens.”
This action contrasts with a recent memorandum from justice department officials which indicated that the Epstein files lacked grounds for further inquiries. According to the document, investigators “lacked sufficient evidence to pursue cases against other parties.”
Trump Calls for Scrutiny of Political Opponents in Epstein Matter
The announcement coincides with increasing pressure from Trump on congressional Republicans to oppose 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 Jeffrey Epstein have brought attention to the president’s previous connections with the convicted criminal, including details that he knew more about Epstein’s conduct than he has previously let on.
On Friday, the President declared he would ask the Department of Justice to investigate Epstein’s ties with Democrats, including Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Interestingly, Trump also referred to the “Epstein hoax” as a “deception”.
Other Developments from Friday
- The President stated he would take legal action against the British broadcaster, despite a formal apology from the media outlet. He claimed 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 Epstein’s role in coaching the influencer.
- US military are planning for a divided Gaza, with a secure area under international and Israeli control and a “red zone” unreconstructed.
- Georgia prosecutor have reopened the last remaining criminal case against Trump after appointing a new lead prosecutor.
- Trump changed tariff policy by cutting duties on food imports like various food items to combat inflation concerns.
- US and Switzerland concluded a deal to lower import taxes on Swiss goods from a significant decrease.
Other notable events featured calls to protect national parks, criticism of an antisemitism watchdog, and a court approval for a settlement in the Purdue Pharma case.
