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This past Friday, Pam Bondi appointed interim US attorney Jay Clayton to oversee an probe into opponents of Donald Trump and their relationships with the late financier. This decision came just after the president instructed her to launch the investigation.

In a statement, 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 seems to diverge from a recent memorandum from justice department officials which indicated that documents related to Epstein lacked grounds for further inquiries. As per the document, investigators “did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties”

Trump Calls for Focus on Democrats in Epstein Case

The announcement coincides with growing pressure from Trump on congressional Republicans to oppose the full release of files concerning Epstein before an key congressional decision next week. Many Republicans are anticipated to back the disclosure.

Recently released communications from Epstein have brought attention to the president’s past involvement with the sex trafficker, including details that he knew more about Epstein’s conduct than he has previously let on.

That same day, the President announced he would ask the DOJ to examine Epstein’s ties with Democrats, including prominent individuals such as Clinton, Summers, and Hoffman. Paradoxically, he also described the “Epstein hoax” as a “scam”.

Additional Updates from the Day

• Trump announced he would take legal action against the BBC, despite an apology from the media outlet. He said the lawsuit could seek between a billion and $5bn.
• Jeffrey Epstein reportedly advised former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to defend Trump’s policies. Communications released show Epstein’s role in advising the influencer.
• American forces are planning for a partitioned Gaza, with a secure area under joint military oversight 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 reducing taxes on food imports like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to combat rising costs.
• The two nations reached a deal to lower import taxes on Swiss goods from 39% to 15%.

Other notable events featured appeals to safeguard public lands, criticism of an monitoring group, and a judge’s decision for a resolution in the Purdue Pharma case.