Attorney General Discloses Probe into Trump Adversaries and Jeffrey Epstein Links
On Friday, the Attorney General designated interim US attorney Jay Clayton to head an inquiry into opponents of Donald Trump and their relationships with the late financier. This decision came hours after the president instructed her to begin the probe.
In a statement, the Attorney General praised Clayton as “among the nation’s top prosecutors”. She stated, “The department will handle this matter promptly and thoroughly to provide clarity for citizens.”
This action contrasts with a July memo from federal authorities which declared that documents related to Epstein did not warrant additional investigations. According to the memo, authorities “lacked sufficient evidence to pursue cases against other parties.”
The President Calls for Scrutiny of Political Opponents in Epstein Case
This news comes as growing pressure from the president on lawmakers to block the full release of Epstein-related documents ahead of an key congressional decision next week. Several lawmakers are expected to support the disclosure.
Newly public communications from Epstein have highlighted the president’s past involvement with the convicted criminal, including information that he was more aware of Epstein’s actions than earlier acknowledged.
That same day, the President declared he would direct the Department of Justice to investigate connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, specifically naming Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Paradoxically, he also described the “Epstein hoax” as a “scam”.
Other Updates from Friday
- Trump stated he would take legal action against the British broadcaster, despite a formal apology from the media outlet. Trump claimed the legal case could seek billions in damages.
- Jeffrey Epstein reportedly advised Steve Bannon during a 2018 media campaign to support Trump’s policies. Text messages made public show Epstein’s involvement in advising the influencer.
- US military are developing plans for a partitioned Gaza, with a secure area under joint military oversight and a restricted section left in ruins.
- Georgia prosecutor have reopened the sole ongoing legal case against Trump after naming a replacement attorney.
- Trump reversed trade measures by reducing duties on imported goods like various food items to address inflation concerns.
- US and Switzerland reached a trade agreement to lower import taxes on Swiss goods from 39% to 15%.
Additional developments included calls to protect national parks, criticism of an antisemitism watchdog, and a judge’s decision for a resolution in the Purdue Pharma lawsuit.
