In a significant development that marks a dramatic shift in Justice Department policy, US Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced a new investigation into the connections between Donald Trump's political opponents and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Justice Department Reverses Course on Epstein Probe
The announcement came on Friday afternoon, just hours after President Trump publicly declared he would direct the Department of Justice to examine Epstein's relationships with prominent Democrats rather than Republicans. Bondi revealed she had assigned Jay Clayton, the interim US attorney for the southern district of New York, to spearhead the investigation.
"Jay Clayton is one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country, and I've asked him to take the lead," stated the Attorney General about the lawyer who previously served as chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission during Trump's first administration.
This move represents a clear departure from the Justice Department's previous position. In July, officials had issued a memo stating they found nothing in the Epstein files that warranted additional inquiries, specifically noting investigators "did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties."
Political Pressure and Contradictory Statements
The investigation announcement coincides with President Trump intensifying pressure 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 anticipated to support transparency.
Recent disclosures from Epstein's emails have highlighted Trump's own historical connections to the convicted sex trafficker, revealing the President knew more about Epstein's activities than previously acknowledged.
In a contradictory statement on Friday morning, Trump referred to the "Epstein hoax" and called it a "scam" while simultaneously announcing he would ask the Department of Justice to investigate Epstein's ties with Democrats including Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, and Reid Hoffman.
Additional Developments in Trump's Legal Landscape
In other significant developments, President Trump has threatened legal action against the BBC despite receiving a personal apology from the broadcaster on Thursday. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One he would sue for "anywhere between a billion and $5bn", claiming the action would proceed next week.
Meanwhile, newly released text messages show Epstein served as an behind-the-scenes adviser to former Trump official Steve Bannon during a pro-Trump media campaign in August 2018. The six-day exchange details Epstein coaching Bannon on television appearances and political messaging.
In a separate legal matter, the only remaining criminal case against Donald Trump has been revived after Georgia's prosecutor council head appointed himself to replace Fani Willis, who was removed from the election interference case in September.
The President also made significant policy moves on Friday, reversing course to cut tariffs on food imports including beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas. This executive order takes effect retroactively and marks a sharp change from Trump's previous insistence that his import duties weren't contributing to inflation.
Additionally, the US and Switzerland have reached a trade agreement that cuts tariffs on Swiss goods from 39% to 15%, following intense lobbying by Swiss firms and bilateral talks in Washington.
