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This past Friday, the Attorney General designated Jay Clayton to lead an investigation into political adversaries of the President and their relationships with the late financier. This move came hours after Trump ordered her to launch the investigation.

In a statement, Bondi highlighted Clayton as “one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country”. She stated, “As with all matters, the department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American people.”

This action seems to diverge from a recent memorandum from justice department officials which stated that the Epstein files did not warrant further inquiries. According to the memo, investigators “found no proof justifying probes into uncharged individuals”

The President Demands Focus on Political Opponents in the Epstein Matter

The announcement comes as increasing pressure from the president on lawmakers to resist the public disclosure of Epstein-related documents ahead of an key congressional decision in the coming days. Many Republicans are expected to support the disclosure.

Newly public communications from Epstein have brought attention to Trump’s past involvement with the convicted criminal, including information that he knew more about Epstein’s conduct than he has previously let on.

That same day, Trump announced he would ask the Department of Justice to examine connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, specifically naming prominent individuals such as Clinton, Summers, and Hoffman. Interestingly, Trump also referred to the “Epstein situation” as a “deception”.

Additional Developments from Friday

• Trump stated he would file a lawsuit against the BBC, despite an apology from the media outlet. Trump claimed the lawsuit could seek between a billion and $5bn.
• Jeffrey Epstein allegedly guided former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to support the president’s agenda. Communications released detail his involvement in coaching Bannon.
• US military are planning for a divided Gaza, with a secure area under international and Israeli control and a restricted section left in ruins.
• State officials have revived the sole ongoing legal case against the President after appointing a new lead prosecutor.
• Trump changed trade measures by cutting taxes on food imports like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to combat inflation concerns.
• The two nations concluded a deal to lower tariffs on products from Switzerland from 39% to 15%.

Other notable events included calls to safeguard public lands, criticism of an antisemitism watchdog, and a court approval for a resolution in the OxyContin case.