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On Friday, the Attorney General appointed Jay Clayton to lead an inquiry into opponents of Donald Trump and their connections with Jeffrey Epstein. This action came hours after the president instructed her to initiate the probe.

During an announcement, the Attorney General praised Jay Clayton as “a highly skilled and reliable legal expert”. She stated, “This case will be addressed with speed and honesty to ensure public transparency.”

This action contrasts with a July memo from justice department officials which indicated that the Epstein files did not warrant further inquiries. As per the memo, authorities “did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties”

The President Calls for Scrutiny of Political Opponents in Epstein Matter

The announcement comes as growing pressure from Trump on lawmakers to oppose the public disclosure of files concerning Epstein before an key congressional decision in the coming days. Many Republicans are anticipated to support the disclosure.

Recently released communications from Jeffrey Epstein have highlighted the president’s past involvement with the convicted criminal, revealing information that he was more aware of Epstein’s actions than earlier acknowledged.

On Friday, the President declared he would direct the Department of Justice to examine Epstein’s ties with Democrats, specifically naming prominent individuals such as Clinton, Summers, and Hoffman. Interestingly, Trump also referred to the “Epstein situation” as a “scam”.

Other Updates from Friday

• Trump announced he would file a lawsuit against the British broadcaster, despite an apology from the media outlet. He claimed the lawsuit could seek between a billion and $5bn.
• Epstein allegedly guided Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to defend the president’s agenda. Communications made public show Epstein’s involvement in coaching Bannon.
• US military are developing plans for a partitioned Gaza, with a “green zone” under international and Israeli control and a restricted section left in ruins.
• Georgia prosecutor have revived the sole ongoing legal case against the President after naming a new lead prosecutor.
• Trump reversed tariff policy by reducing taxes on imported goods like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to combat inflation concerns.
• US and Switzerland reached a trade agreement to lower import taxes on products from Switzerland from 39% to 15%.

Additional developments included appeals to safeguard public lands, objections of an monitoring group, and a court approval for a settlement in the Purdue Pharma lawsuit.