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This past Friday, the Attorney General appointed interim US attorney Jay Clayton to head an investigation into opponents of Donald Trump and their relationships with Jeffrey Epstein. This decision came hours after Trump ordered her to initiate the probe.

During an announcement, the Attorney General highlighted Jay Clayton as “among the nation’s top prosecutors”. The official added, “This case will be addressed with speed and honesty to ensure public transparency.”

This development appears to contradict a July memo from federal authorities which stated that the Epstein files did not warrant additional investigations. According to the memo, investigators “found no proof justifying probes into uncharged individuals”

The President Demands Scrutiny of Political Opponents in the Epstein Matter

This news comes as increasing pressure from the president on lawmakers to resist the full release of files concerning Epstein ahead of an upcoming House vote in the coming days. Several lawmakers are anticipated to support the release.

Recently released emails from Jeffrey Epstein have highlighted the president’s past involvement with the sex trafficker, revealing details that he knew more about Epstein’s conduct than he has previously let on.

That same day, the President declared he would direct the Department of Justice to examine Epstein’s ties with Democrats, including Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Paradoxically, Trump also described the “Epstein situation” as a “deception”.

Other Developments from Friday

• The President stated he would take legal action against the BBC, even after a formal apology from the network. Trump said the legal case could seek billions in damages.
• Epstein reportedly guided former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to support Trump’s policies. Communications made public detail Epstein’s role in advising the influencer.
• US military are planning for a partitioned 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 replacement attorney.
• Trump changed tariff policy by cutting duties on food imports like various food items to combat rising costs.
• US and Switzerland reached a trade agreement to lower tariffs on products from Switzerland from 39% to 15%.

Other notable events featured appeals to protect national parks, criticism of an antisemitism watchdog, and a judge’s decision for a settlement in the Purdue Pharma lawsuit.