Trump Directs Attorney General to Release Epstein Grand Jury Testimony
In a bold move following his announcement of a lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch over allegations of a controversial birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein, President Trump has instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek the release of grand jury testimony related to the Epstein investigation.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “Given the overwhelming publicity surrounding Jeffrey Epstein, I have directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all relevant grand jury testimony, pending court approval.” He expressed that this action could help quell the controversy surrounding his administration’s previous commitments to release all Epstein-related files.
Despite the potential for sensitive information about Epstein’s victims to be included in these documents, Trump characterized the ongoing scrutiny as a “scam” perpetuated by Democrats, insisting, “This should come to an end immediately!”
Just two minutes after Trump’s announcement, Bondi took to X (formerly Twitter) to affirm, “President Trump – we are prepared to move forward in court tomorrow to unseal the grand jury transcripts.”
House Passes $9 Billion Cuts to Public Media and Foreign Aid
In a significant legislative move, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a $9 billion funding cut to public media and foreign aid, sending the bill to the White House for approval. The Republican-controlled chamber voted 216 to 213 in favor of the funding cut package, which was modified by the Senate to exclude approximately $400 million in funds for the global Pepfar HIV/AIDS prevention program, as reported by Reuters.
Only two House Republicans, Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Mike Turner of Ohio, along with the Democrats, opposed the cuts.
“This is a small step towards cutting wasteful spending while making a giant leap toward fiscal responsibility,” said Florida Republican Representative Aaron Bean, who advocates for a similar spending cut package from the White House each month.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries countered that these funding cuts “undermine our ability to keep our citizens safe and to project America’s soft power globally,” arguing that rural Americans’ access to emergency information via public radio would be significantly reduced.
The vote was delayed for hours due to internal Republican disagreements about other legislative matters and calls from party members for increased government transparency regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Trump Faces Backlash Over Epstein Case Handling
Amidst rising tensions regarding the Epstein case, Trump’s refusal to appoint a special counsel has drawn criticism from allies and opponents alike. During a press conference, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that Trump believes the accusations surrounding Epstein are a political “hoax” perpetuated by Democrats.
Despite Trump’s assertions, dissatisfaction is brewing within his base. Some supporters have even expressed their discontent through demonstrations, including burning their MAGA hats. Notably, former Vice President Mike Pence has called for the release of all documents related to Epstein, emphasizing the necessity for transparency in the investigation.
Coca-Cola Defends Its Use of Corn Syrup Following Trump’s Claims
In response to Trump’s assertion that he had persuaded Coca-Cola to switch from high-fructose corn syrup to cane sugar for its U.S. products, the company has issued a statement defending its sweetening practices. Coca-Cola acknowledged Trump’s enthusiasm but emphasized that there are no current plans to change its formulations.
The company reiterated that high-fructose corn syrup is safe and comparable in caloric content to cane sugar. However, the debate over sweeteners continues as concerns about health and obesity persist.
Protests Against Trump’s Policies Planned Nationwide
On Thursday, protests are scheduled at more than 1,600 locations across the United States to oppose Trump’s controversial policies, including mass deportations and cuts to Medicaid. The demonstrations, dubbed “Good Trouble Lives On,” are a tribute to the late Congressman John Lewis and aim to promote social justice and civil rights.
The protests reflect growing frustration with the administration’s handling of various issues, as activists call for accountability and action against what they perceive as authoritarian measures.
Conclusion
As Trump navigates the tumultuous political landscape marked by ongoing scrutiny over the Epstein case, significant funding cuts, and heightened public discontent, the coming days will be pivotal for both his administration and the Republican Party. The insistence on transparency and accountability is resonating not only among political adversaries but also within his own ranks, potentially reshaping the dynamics of his presidency.
