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This past Friday, Pam Bondi assigned Jay Clayton to oversee an investigation into political adversaries of Donald Trump and their links with the late financier. This decision came hours after Trump instructed her to begin the investigation.

In a statement, the Attorney General commended Jay Clayton as “one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country”. The official remarked, “The department will handle this matter promptly and thoroughly to provide clarity for citizens.”

This action appears to contradict a recent memorandum from justice department officials which stated that documents related to Epstein lacked grounds for further inquiries. According to the memo, authorities “did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties”

Trump Calls for Scrutiny of Democrats in Epstein Matter

The announcement coincides with growing pressure from the president on lawmakers to resist the public disclosure of Epstein-related documents ahead of an key congressional decision next week. Many Republicans are expected to support the disclosure.

Newly public communications from Jeffrey Epstein have brought attention to the president’s previous connections with the convicted criminal, revealing information that he was more aware of Epstein’s actions than earlier acknowledged.

That same day, the President announced he would direct the Department of Justice to examine Epstein’s ties with Democrats, including prominent individuals such as Clinton, Summers, and Hoffman. Paradoxically, he also referred to the “Epstein situation” as a “deception”.

Additional Updates from Friday

• Trump announced he would take legal action against the British broadcaster, despite a formal apology from the network. He said the lawsuit could seek between a billion and $5bn.
• Jeffrey Epstein reportedly guided former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a 2018 media campaign to support the president’s agenda. Communications released show Epstein’s role in advising Bannon.
• American forces 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 the President after naming a replacement attorney.
• The President reversed trade measures by cutting taxes on imported goods like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to combat rising costs.
• US and Switzerland concluded a deal to lower tariffs on products from Switzerland from 39% to 15%.

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