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This past Friday, the Attorney General designated interim US attorney Jay Clayton to lead an inquiry into opponents of Donald Trump and their connections with Jeffrey Epstein. This action came just after the president directed her to begin the investigation.

In a statement, the Attorney General commended Jay Clayton as “among the nation’s top prosecutors”. The official remarked, “The department will handle this matter promptly and thoroughly to provide clarity for citizens.”

This action appears to contradict a July memo from justice department officials which indicated that documents related to Epstein lacked grounds for further inquiries. According to the memo, authorities “lacked sufficient evidence to pursue cases against other parties.”

Trump Calls for Focus on Political Opponents in Epstein Matter

The announcement coincides with increasing demands from Trump on lawmakers to resist the public disclosure of files concerning Epstein before an upcoming House vote in the coming days. Several lawmakers are expected to back the disclosure.

Recently released communications from Jeffrey Epstein have brought attention to Trump’s past involvement with the sex trafficker, including details 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 described the “Epstein hoax” as a “deception”.

Other Developments from the Day

• The President announced he would take legal action against the BBC, despite a formal apology from the media outlet. Trump claimed the lawsuit could seek billions in damages.
• Epstein reportedly guided former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to defend the president’s agenda. Text messages released show his involvement in advising Bannon.
• US military are planning for a partitioned Gaza, with a “green zone” under joint military oversight and a restricted section left in ruins.
• State officials have reopened the sole ongoing legal case against the President after appointing a replacement attorney.
• Trump reversed trade measures by reducing duties on food imports like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to address rising costs.
• The two nations concluded a trade agreement to lower import taxes on Swiss goods from 39% to 15%.

Other notable events featured appeals to protect national parks, criticism of an monitoring group, and a court approval for a settlement in the OxyContin case.