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This past Friday, Pam Bondi designated Jay Clayton to oversee an probe into opponents of Donald Trump and their links with the late financier. This decision came just after Trump ordered her to begin the probe.

During an announcement, the Attorney General highlighted Jay Clayton as “one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country”. The official added, “This case will be addressed with speed and honesty to ensure public transparency.”

This development appears to contradict a recent memorandum from federal authorities which declared that documents related to Epstein lacked grounds for additional investigations. As per the memo, investigators “found no proof justifying probes into uncharged individuals”

The President Demands Scrutiny of Political Opponents in Epstein Case

This news comes as growing demands from Trump on congressional Republicans to block the full release of files concerning Epstein before an upcoming House vote next week. Many Republicans are anticipated to support the release.

Recently released communications from Epstein have spotlighted Trump’s previous connections with the sex trafficker, revealing details that he knew more about Epstein’s conduct than he has previously let on.

On Friday, the President declared he would direct the Department of Justice to examine connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, specifically naming Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Interestingly, Trump also referred to the “Epstein situation” as a “deception”.

Additional Updates from Friday

• Trump announced he would file a lawsuit against the BBC, even after an apology from the media outlet. He claimed the lawsuit could seek between a billion and $5bn.
• Epstein allegedly advised former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to defend Trump’s policies. Communications made public show his role in coaching the influencer.
• US military are developing plans for a divided Gaza, with a secure area under international and Israeli control and a restricted section unreconstructed.
• State officials have revived the last remaining criminal case against the President after naming a replacement attorney.
• Trump reversed trade measures by cutting duties on food imports like various food items to combat inflation concerns.
• US and Switzerland reached a deal to reduce import taxes on Swiss goods from 39% to 15%.

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