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This past Friday, the Attorney General assigned Jay Clayton to oversee an probe into political adversaries of Donald Trump and their connections with Jeffrey Epstein. This decision came hours after the president ordered her to begin the investigation.

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

This development contrasts with a recent memorandum from justice department officials which declared that the Epstein files did not warrant additional investigations. According to the document, authorities “did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties”

The President Demands Focus on Political Opponents in the Epstein Matter

This news comes as growing pressure from the president on lawmakers to resist the public disclosure of Epstein-related documents ahead of an upcoming House vote next week. Several lawmakers are expected to back the release.

Recently released communications from Jeffrey Epstein have spotlighted 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 ask the DOJ to examine Epstein’s ties with Democrats, including prominent individuals such as Clinton, Summers, and Hoffman. Interestingly, Trump also described the “Epstein hoax” as a “deception”.

Additional Updates from Friday

• Trump stated he would take legal action against the British broadcaster, despite a formal apology from the network. Trump said the lawsuit could seek between a billion and $5bn.
• Jeffrey Epstein allegedly advised former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a 2018 media campaign to support Trump’s policies. Communications made public detail his role in advising the influencer.
• American forces are developing plans for a partitioned Gaza, with a “green zone” under international and Israeli control and a restricted section unreconstructed.
• Georgia prosecutor have reopened the sole ongoing legal case against Trump after appointing a new lead prosecutor.
• The President reversed trade measures by reducing duties on imported goods like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to combat inflation concerns.
• The two nations reached a deal to reduce tariffs on Swiss goods from a significant decrease.

Additional developments included appeals to protect national parks, objections of an antisemitism watchdog, and a court approval for a settlement in the OxyContin case.