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This past Friday, the Attorney General designated Jay Clayton to head an probe into opponents of the President and their links with Jeffrey Epstein. This action came just after Trump ordered her to begin the probe.

In a statement, Bondi highlighted Jay Clayton as “one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country”. She added, “The department will handle this matter promptly and thoroughly to provide clarity for citizens.”

This development appears to contradict a recent memorandum from justice department officials which stated that the Epstein files did not warrant additional investigations. According to the document, investigators “found no proof justifying probes into uncharged individuals”

Trump Calls for Scrutiny of Political Opponents in the Epstein Matter

This news coincides with increasing pressure from the president on lawmakers to block the public disclosure of files concerning Epstein before an upcoming House vote in the coming days. Several lawmakers are expected to back the release.

Newly public emails from Epstein have spotlighted Trump’s past involvement with the sex trafficker, revealing information that he knew more about Epstein’s conduct than he has previously let on.

On Friday, the President announced he would direct the Department of Justice to investigate connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, specifically naming prominent individuals such as Clinton, Summers, and Hoffman. Interestingly, Trump also referred to the “Epstein hoax” as a “deception”.

Other Developments from the Day

• The President stated he would take legal action against the British broadcaster, despite a formal apology from the network. Trump claimed the lawsuit could seek between a billion and $5bn.
• Jeffrey Epstein allegedly guided Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to support Trump’s policies. Communications released show his involvement in coaching Bannon.
• US military are developing plans for a partitioned Gaza, with a secure area under international and Israeli control and a “red zone” unreconstructed.
• Georgia prosecutor have revived the sole ongoing legal case against Trump after naming a replacement attorney.
• Trump changed trade measures by cutting taxes on imported goods like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to combat inflation concerns.
• US and Switzerland reached a deal to reduce tariffs on Swiss goods from a significant decrease.

Additional developments featured appeals to protect national parks, criticism of an monitoring group, and a judge’s decision for a settlement in the OxyContin case.