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This past Friday, the Attorney General designated Jay Clayton to head an investigation into political adversaries of Donald Trump and their links with Jeffrey Epstein. This action came just after Trump directed her to begin the investigation.

During an announcement, the Attorney General praised Jay Clayton as “among the nation’s top prosecutors”. 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 federal authorities which stated that documents related to Epstein did not warrant additional investigations. According to the document, authorities “lacked sufficient evidence to pursue cases against other parties.”

Trump Calls for Focus on Political Opponents in the Epstein Matter

The announcement coincides with growing demands from the president on congressional Republicans to oppose the full release of Epstein-related documents before an upcoming House vote next week. Many Republicans are anticipated to back the release.

Recently released communications from Jeffrey Epstein have highlighted the president’s previous connections with the convicted criminal, revealing information that he was more aware of Epstein’s actions than earlier acknowledged.

That same day, the President announced he would ask the DOJ to examine Epstein’s ties with Democrats, specifically naming Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Paradoxically, Trump also referred to the “Epstein situation” as a “deception”.

Additional Developments from Friday

• Trump stated he would file a lawsuit against the British broadcaster, despite an apology from the network. Trump said the legal case could seek billions in damages.
• Epstein allegedly guided former Trump aide Steve Bannon during a 2018 media campaign to defend Trump’s policies. Text messages made public detail Epstein’s involvement in advising Bannon.
• American forces are planning for a partitioned Gaza, with a secure area under international and Israeli control and a “red zone” unreconstructed.
• State officials have reopened the sole ongoing legal case against Trump after appointing a replacement attorney.
• Trump changed trade measures by cutting taxes on food imports like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to address inflation concerns.
• US and Switzerland concluded a trade agreement to lower tariffs on products from Switzerland from 39% to 15%.

Other notable events included appeals to protect national parks, objections of an monitoring group, and a court approval for a settlement in the OxyContin lawsuit.