Trump Directs Justice Department to Probe Democrats' Epstein Connections
In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through Washington, US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Friday that she has assigned a lead investigator to examine the connections between Donald Trump's political adversaries and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The move comes just hours after the president publicly directed her to launch the investigation.
Clayton Appointed as Lead Investigator
Jay Clayton, the interim US attorney for the southern district of New York, has been tasked with leading the high-profile investigation. Bondi described Clayton as "one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country" and emphasized that the Department of Justice would pursue the matter "with urgency and integrity."
Clayton brings considerable experience to the role, having previously served as chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission during Trump's first administration. His appointment represents a notable shift from the Justice Department's previous position, outlined in a July memo, which stated that officials had found nothing in the Epstein files warranting further inquiries.
Contradiction with Previous DOJ Findings
The new investigation appears to contradict earlier conclusions from federal investigators who had examined the Epstein files. According to the July memo, officials "did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties." This discrepancy has raised questions about the motivation behind the newly announced probe.
The development comes as Trump has intensified his pressure campaign on congressional Republicans to oppose the full release of Justice Department files related to Epstein. A crucial House vote on the matter is expected next week, with many Republicans reportedly prepared to support full disclosure.
Trump's Friday Announcements and Legal Threats
Earlier on Friday, the president declared he would ask the Department of Justice to specifically investigate Epstein's ties with Democrats, singling out Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, and Reid Hoffman while paradoxically referring to what he called the "Epstein hoax" and labeling it a "scam."
In separate developments, Trump threatened legal action against the BBC, stating he would sue the broadcaster for "anywhere between a billion and $5bn" despite having received a personal apology from the organization. The BBC maintained there was no legal basis for such a lawsuit.
Epstein's Previously Unknown Role in Trump Circle
Newly released text messages have revealed that Epstein served as an behind-the-scenes adviser to former Trump official Steve Bannon during a August 2018 media campaign to defend Trump and promote Bannon's media ventures. The six-day exchange between the men shows Epstein coaching Bannon on television appearances and political messaging, indicating a deeper connection between Epstein and Trump associates than previously acknowledged.
Meanwhile, in other significant developments, the only remaining criminal case against Donald Trump has been revived after Georgia's prosecutor council head appointed himself to replace the removed Fulton County district attorney. Additionally, the president reversed course on economic policy by cutting tariffs on food imports including beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas, marking a sharp departure from his previous insistence that import duties weren't fueling inflation.
The White House also reached a trade agreement with Switzerland, reducing US tariffs on Swiss goods from 39% to 15% following bilateral talks in Washington and intense lobbying by Swiss firms.
