U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered a federal prosecutor to investigate Jeffrey Epstein's alleged ties to political opponents of President Donald Trump, including former President Bill Clinton.
This action comes at the direct urging of President Trump, who publicly demanded the investigation on his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump specifically called for a probe into Epstein's connections with Clinton, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, and LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, framing it as a "Democrat hoax." The investigation will be led by Manhattan U.S.
Attorney Jay Clayton. Bondi stated that the Justice Department will pursue this with "urgency and integrity." Trump, asserting his authority as the chief law enforcement officer, claimed he is permitted to make such requests.
The FBI previously noted in a memo that it had not found evidence to predicate investigations against uncharged third parties related to Epstein. This directive highlights concerns about the erosion of the Justice Department's traditional independence from the White House, particularly under President Trump.
Trump himself has faced scrutiny regarding his past association with Epstein, though he has not been accused of sexual misconduct by Epstein's victims. Former President Bill Clinton has acknowledged traveling on Epstein's private jet but has maintained he had no knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities and has never been accused of misconduct by Epstein's known victims.
Larry Summers has expressed regret for his association with Epstein, calling it a major error in judgment. Reid Hoffman has called for Trump to release all Epstein-related files and documents.
JPMorgan Chase, which provided banking services to Epstein, stated that the company regretted its association with him but did not assist in his crimes, adding that the government failed to share damning information about Epstein's activities with banks.
