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On Friday, Pam Bondi appointed interim US attorney Jay Clayton to lead an investigation into opponents of Donald Trump and their links with the late financier. This action came just after Trump instructed her to begin the investigation.

In a statement, Bondi commended Clayton as “among the nation’s top prosecutors”. The official remarked, “As with all matters, the department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American people.”

This action appears to contradict a July memo from federal authorities which declared that documents related to Epstein lacked grounds for additional investigations. As per the document, authorities “lacked sufficient evidence to pursue cases against other parties.”

Trump Calls for Focus on Democrats in Epstein Matter

The announcement coincides with growing pressure from Trump on lawmakers to resist the full release of files concerning Epstein before an upcoming House vote in the coming days. Many Republicans are expected to support the release.

Recently released communications from Epstein have spotlighted Trump’s past involvement with the sex trafficker, revealing information that he was more aware of Epstein’s actions than earlier acknowledged.

On Friday, the President announced he would ask the Department of Justice to examine connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, including prominent individuals such as Clinton, Summers, and Hoffman. Interestingly, Trump also described the “Epstein hoax” as a “scam”.

Additional Developments from the Day

• Trump stated he would take legal action against the BBC, despite an apology from the network. He claimed the lawsuit could seek billions in damages.
• Jeffrey Epstein allegedly advised Steve Bannon during a 2018 media campaign to defend Trump’s policies. Communications released detail Epstein’s role in coaching the influencer.
• US military are planning for a divided Gaza, with a “green zone” under international and Israeli control and a restricted section left in ruins.
• State officials have reopened the last remaining criminal case against Trump after naming a replacement attorney.
• Trump changed trade measures by cutting duties on food imports like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to address inflation concerns.
• US and Switzerland concluded a trade agreement to reduce import taxes on products from Switzerland from 39% to 15%.

Other notable events included calls to safeguard public lands, criticism of an monitoring group, and a judge’s decision for a resolution in the Purdue Pharma lawsuit.