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On Friday, Pam Bondi designated Jay Clayton to oversee an probe into opponents of Donald Trump and their connections with the late financier. This move came hours after Trump ordered her to begin the probe.

In a statement, Bondi commended Clayton as “a highly skilled and reliable legal expert”. 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 federal authorities which indicated that the Epstein files lacked grounds for additional investigations. According to the document, authorities “found no proof justifying probes into uncharged individuals”

Trump Demands Focus on Political Opponents in Epstein Matter

The announcement comes as growing pressure from Trump on congressional Republicans to resist the public disclosure of Epstein-related documents before an key congressional decision next week. Several lawmakers are anticipated to back the release.

Newly public emails from Jeffrey Epstein have spotlighted the president’s previous connections with the sex trafficker, including details that his knowledge of Epstein’s behavior exceeded prior admissions.

That same day, the President announced he would direct the DOJ to investigate connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, including prominent individuals such as Clinton, Summers, and Hoffman. Interestingly, he also referred to the “Epstein hoax” as a “scam”.

Additional Developments from Friday

• The President stated he would file a lawsuit against the British broadcaster, even after a formal apology from the network. He said the lawsuit could seek between a billion and $5bn.
• Epstein reportedly guided Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to defend Trump’s policies. Text messages made public show Epstein’s involvement in coaching Bannon.
• American forces are planning for a partitioned Gaza, with a secure area under joint military oversight and a “red zone” left in ruins.
• Georgia prosecutor have reopened the sole ongoing legal case against the President after naming a replacement attorney.
• Trump changed trade measures by reducing taxes on food imports like various food items to combat inflation concerns.
• US and Switzerland concluded a deal to lower tariffs on products from Switzerland 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.