Attorney General Reveals Probe into Trump Adversaries and Jeffrey Epstein Ties
On Friday, the Attorney General appointed interim US attorney Jay Clayton to head an investigation into political adversaries of Donald Trump and their relationships with the late financier. This decision came shortly after the president instructed her to initiate the probe.
In a statement, the Attorney General praised Jay Clayton as “a highly skilled and reliable legal expert”. The official remarked, “As with all matters, the department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American people.”
This action contrasts with a recent memorandum from justice department officials which stated that the Epstein files lacked grounds for further inquiries. According to the document, authorities “did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties”
The President Calls for Scrutiny of Political Opponents in Epstein Case
This news comes as increasing demands from the president on lawmakers to block the public disclosure of files concerning Epstein ahead of an key congressional decision in the coming days. Many Republicans are expected to back the release.
Newly public communications from Jeffrey Epstein have brought attention to Trump’s past involvement with the sex trafficker, including information that his knowledge of Epstein’s behavior exceeded prior admissions.
On Friday, the President announced he would ask the DOJ to examine connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, including Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Interestingly, he also described the “Epstein hoax” as a “scam”.
Additional Updates from Friday
- Trump stated he would take legal action against the BBC, even after a formal apology from the media outlet. He said the lawsuit could seek between a billion and $5bn.
- Epstein allegedly advised Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump effort to defend the president’s agenda. Communications made public show Epstein’s role in coaching Bannon.
- American forces are planning for a divided Gaza, with a “green zone” under international and Israeli control and a “red zone” unreconstructed.
- State officials have reopened the sole ongoing legal case against the President after naming a replacement attorney.
- The President changed tariff policy by reducing taxes on food imports like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to address inflation concerns.
- US and Switzerland reached a trade agreement to lower import taxes on Swiss goods from a significant decrease.
Other notable events included appeals to safeguard public lands, criticism of an monitoring group, and a court approval for a settlement in the OxyContin lawsuit.
