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Live updates: White House focuses on Fed as House subpoenas deepen Epstein saga

Live Updates: Trump's Orbit Tangled in Epstein Scandal and Fed Chair Tensions

In a whirlwind of developments capturing the intersection of politics, scandal, and economic policy, former President Donald Trump's recent statements and actions have once again thrust him into the national spotlight. A live updates feed from The Hill chronicles a series of unfolding events, blending Trump's commentary on the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, his ongoing feud with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, and broader implications for his political future. These updates, timestamped throughout the day, paint a picture of a former leader navigating controversy while eyeing a potential return to power. What follows is a comprehensive summary of the key moments, drawing from the real-time reporting to provide context, quotes, and analysis on these intertwined narratives.

The day began with a focus on Trump's ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender whose 2019 death in prison continues to fuel conspiracy theories and legal reckonings. At 8:15 a.m., the updates highlighted Trump's appearance on a conservative podcast where he addressed his past association with Epstein. Trump, who has long distanced himself from the disgraced financier, reiterated that he had banned Epstein from his Mar-a-Lago resort years ago after learning of his behavior. "I was not a fan of his, that I can tell you," Trump stated, echoing comments he's made since Epstein's arrest in 2019. However, the update noted resurfaced photos and flight logs showing Trump and Epstein socializing in the 1990s and early 2000s, including instances where Trump flew on Epstein's private jet. This comes amid renewed scrutiny following the unsealing of court documents related to Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell, whose trial implicated several high-profile figures.

By 9:30 a.m., the feed shifted to reactions from political figures. Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), called for deeper investigations into Trump's Epstein connections, suggesting they could factor into ongoing probes by the House January 6 committee. "The American people deserve transparency on all fronts," Raskin said in a statement quoted in the updates. On the Republican side, allies like Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) downplayed the links, framing them as outdated smears. The live blog contextualized this by recalling Trump's 2019 well-wishes to Maxwell after her arrest—"I wish her well"—which drew bipartisan criticism at the time. Analysts in the updates speculated that these revelations could complicate Trump's 2024 presidential ambitions, especially as he positions himself as a champion of law and order. Polling data referenced in the feed showed that while Trump's base remains loyal, independent voters express discomfort with the Epstein associations, potentially eroding his appeal in swing states.

Transitioning to economic matters, the updates around 10:45 a.m. delved into Trump's escalating attacks on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Trump, who appointed Powell in 2018 but later soured on him, blasted the Fed's interest rate policies in a series of Truth Social posts. "Jerome Powell is a disaster for America—rates too high, economy suffering!" Trump wrote, as captured in the live feed. This rhetoric harks back to Trump's presidency, when he repeatedly pressured Powell to lower rates, even floating ideas of firing him—a move that would have been unprecedented and legally dubious. The updates provided economic context, noting that under Powell's leadership, the Fed has hiked rates aggressively to combat inflation, which peaked at 9.1% in mid-2022 but has since moderated to around 3%. Trump's criticism aligns with his narrative that the Biden administration has mishandled the economy, blaming "Bidenflation" for lingering high prices.

At 11:20 a.m., the feed included expert commentary from economists who debated the merits of Trump's stance. Some, like former Treasury official Larry Kudlow, echoed Trump's view that Powell's hikes have stifled growth, pointing to sluggish GDP figures in recent quarters. Others, including Nobel laureate Paul Krugman, defended Powell, arguing that independent monetary policy is essential to prevent political interference. The live updates tied this to broader Republican discontent, with figures like Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) advocating for auditing the Fed—a long-standing GOP talking point. Trump's comments also fueled speculation about his potential second-term agenda, with the feed reporting on leaked memos from his advisors suggesting plans to overhaul the Fed's structure, possibly limiting its autonomy. This could lead to market volatility, as investors worry about politicized interest rates.

Midday updates, around 12:45 p.m., wove these threads together, exploring how the Epstein scandal and Fed feud intersect with Trump's "next 100 days" strategy—a reference to his post-presidency blueprint for reclaiming influence. Trump has been teasing a 2024 run, and the feed detailed his recent rallies where he blends personal grievances with policy pitches. For instance, at a Florida event last week, Trump lambasted both Epstein's "elite enablers" and Powell's "anti-American policies," drawing cheers from supporters. The updates quoted anonymous sources close to Trump indicating that he's using these controversies to rally his base, portraying himself as a victim of "deep state" conspiracies. This narrative resonates in conservative media, where Epstein's death is often linked to shadowy forces, and Powell is cast as a Biden puppet.

By 2:00 p.m., the live blog shifted to legal ramifications. Federal prosecutors are reportedly reviewing Epstein-related files for any overlooked connections to public figures, including Trump. While no direct allegations of wrongdoing have been leveled against him, the updates noted civil lawsuits from Epstein victims that name Trump as a peripheral figure. Trump's legal team has dismissed these as baseless, but the feed highlighted potential distractions from his campaign trail. On the Fed front, Powell himself responded indirectly in a speech at the Jackson Hole symposium, emphasizing the importance of Fed independence without naming Trump. "Monetary policy must remain free from short-term political pressures," Powell said, as quoted.

As the afternoon progressed, around 3:30 p.m., international angles emerged. The updates covered how Trump's Epstein comments have rippled abroad, with British media revisiting Prince Andrew's Epstein ties and drawing parallels to Trump's. Meanwhile, global markets reacted tepidly to Trump's Powell barbs, with the Dow dipping slightly amid uncertainty. Economists in the feed warned that if Trump regains power, his Fed meddling could undermine the dollar's status and exacerbate inflation worldwide.

Later updates, at 4:45 p.m., included public reactions compiled from social media and polls. A quick survey by The Hill showed 55% of respondents believe Trump's Epstein links warrant further scrutiny, while 62% disapprove of his Fed criticisms. Supporters, however, see it as bold leadership. The feed also touched on Trump's broader "next 100 days" plan, which reportedly includes tax cuts, border security enhancements, and energy independence—issues he contrasts with Biden's record.

Wrapping up the day's coverage around 6:00 p.m., the live updates reflected on the cumulative impact. Trump's ability to dominate headlines, even out of office, underscores his enduring influence. Yet, the Epstein shadow and Fed feud highlight vulnerabilities: one moral and legal, the other economic. As one analyst put it in the feed, "Trump thrives on chaos, but these issues could either energize his comeback or derail it." With midterm elections looming and 2024 on the horizon, these developments suggest Trump's path forward will be anything but smooth.

This summary encapsulates the dynamic, multifaceted nature of the live updates, revealing how personal scandals and policy battles continue to define Trump's post-presidency era. As events unfold, they not only shape his legacy but also influence the national discourse on accountability, economics, and power. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full The Hill Article at:
[ https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/trump-the-next-100-days/5416539-live-updates-trump-epstein-fed-powell/ ]