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On Friday, the Attorney General assigned Jay Clayton to oversee an investigation into political adversaries of the President and their relationships with the late financier. This action came hours after the president directed her to launch the investigation.

In a statement, the Attorney General praised Clayton as “one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country”. The official added, “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 declared that documents related to Epstein lacked grounds for additional investigations. According to the memo, investigators “found no proof justifying probes into uncharged individuals”

Trump Demands Focus on Democrats in the Epstein Case

The announcement coincides with increasing pressure from Trump on lawmakers to oppose the public disclosure of Epstein-related documents ahead of an key congressional decision next week. Several lawmakers are expected to back the release.

Newly public emails from Jeffrey Epstein have brought attention to the president’s previous connections with the sex trafficker, including information that he knew more about Epstein’s conduct than he has previously let on.

On Friday, Trump announced he would direct the Department of Justice to examine connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, specifically naming Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Paradoxically, Trump also described the “Epstein situation” as a “scam”.

Other Developments from Friday

• Trump announced he would take legal action against the BBC, despite a formal apology from the network. He said the legal case could seek billions in damages.
• Epstein reportedly guided Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to support Trump’s policies. Communications released show Epstein’s role in advising the influencer.
• American forces are developing plans for a divided Gaza, with a “green zone” under joint military oversight and a “red zone” left in ruins.
• Georgia prosecutor have reopened the sole ongoing legal case against Trump after appointing a replacement attorney.
• Trump reversed tariff policy by cutting taxes on imported goods like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to address inflation concerns.
• US and Switzerland concluded a deal to reduce import taxes on Swiss goods from 39% to 15%.

Other notable events included appeals to safeguard public lands, objections of an antisemitism watchdog, and a court approval for a settlement in the Purdue Pharma case.