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On Friday, the Attorney General assigned interim US attorney Jay Clayton to oversee an inquiry into opponents of Donald Trump and their relationships with Jeffrey Epstein. This decision came hours after Trump directed her to begin the investigation.

During an announcement, the Attorney General highlighted Jay Clayton as “a highly skilled and reliable legal expert”. The official remarked, “The department will handle this matter promptly and thoroughly to provide clarity for citizens.”

This development appears to contradict a recent memorandum from federal authorities which stated that the Epstein files did not warrant additional investigations. As per the document, investigators “lacked sufficient evidence to pursue cases against other parties.”

Trump Calls for Focus on Democrats in the Epstein Matter

The announcement comes as growing demands from Trump on lawmakers to oppose the public disclosure of files concerning Epstein before an key congressional decision next week. Many Republicans are anticipated to back the disclosure.

Recently released communications from Epstein have brought attention to the president’s previous connections with the convicted criminal, including details that he knew more about Epstein’s conduct than he has previously let on.

That same day, Trump declared he would ask the DOJ to investigate connections between Epstein and Democratic figures, including Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Paradoxically, he also referred to the “Epstein hoax” as a “deception”.

Other Updates from Friday

• Trump announced he would file a lawsuit against the BBC, despite an apology from the media outlet. Trump said the legal case could seek between a billion and $5bn.
• Epstein reportedly guided 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 developing plans for a divided Gaza, with a “green zone” under joint military oversight and a restricted section unreconstructed.
• State officials have reopened the last remaining criminal case against the President after appointing a new lead prosecutor.
• Trump changed trade measures by cutting duties on food imports like beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas to address rising costs.
• US and Switzerland concluded a trade agreement to reduce tariffs on Swiss goods from a significant decrease.

Additional developments featured calls to safeguard public lands, objections of an antisemitism watchdog, and a court approval for a resolution in the OxyContin lawsuit.