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This past Friday, Pam Bondi appointed Jay Clayton to head an investigation into opponents of Donald Trump and their links with the late financier. This decision came just after the president directed her to initiate the probe.

During an announcement, Bondi highlighted 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 development appears to contradict a July memo from federal authorities which stated that documents related to Epstein did not warrant further inquiries. According to the document, authorities “did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties”

Trump Calls for Scrutiny of Democrats in the Epstein Matter

The announcement coincides with increasing pressure from Trump on congressional Republicans to resist the full release of files concerning Epstein ahead of an upcoming House vote in the coming days. Many Republicans are expected to back the disclosure.

Newly public communications from Epstein have highlighted the president’s past involvement with the convicted criminal, including information that he knew more about Epstein’s conduct than he has previously let on.

That same day, Trump declared he would ask the Department of Justice to investigate Epstein’s ties with Democrats, specifically naming prominent individuals such as Clinton, Summers, and Hoffman. Paradoxically, Trump also described the “Epstein situation” as a “deception”.

Other Updates from the Day

• Trump announced he would file a lawsuit against the BBC, even after an apology from the network. Trump said the lawsuit could seek billions in damages.
• Jeffrey Epstein reportedly advised Steve Bannon during a 2018 media campaign to defend Trump’s policies. Communications made public show his involvement in advising the influencer.
• US military are planning for a divided Gaza, with a secure area under joint military oversight and a restricted section left in ruins.
• Georgia prosecutor have revived the last remaining criminal case against Trump after appointing a new lead prosecutor.
• The President reversed tariff policy by reducing taxes on food imports like various food items to combat inflation concerns.
• The two nations reached a deal to reduce tariffs on products from Switzerland from a significant decrease.

Additional developments included calls to protect national parks, criticism of an monitoring group, and a court approval for a resolution in the Purdue Pharma case.