Messages Reveal Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Ties

Steve Bannon
Bannon served as Trump's top advisers before stepping down from the administration in 2017

In late 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, was in the UK preparing for a speech at the Oxford Union.

The speech was interrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters delayed my talk I doubt I can catch the plane we r enroute to heathrow".

Epstein replied: "That. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an excellent helper".

These messages were published on Wednesday together with more than 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC has been able to confirm his identity by matching the timeline, occurrences, and places mentioned.

For instance, Epstein talks about chartering a jet from the UK for the redacted user in the messages, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and gave the speech at the Oxford Union on November 16.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, did not reply on the request for comment.

'I'll make sure you're well looked after'

Bannon served as Trump's key advisers in the run up to the 2016 election and in the early days of his first administration, but stepped down from the administration in 2017.

He has admitted he was making a documentary about Epstein before his passing and allegedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a live taping of his podcast earlier this year, he stated: "We're going to publish the film, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed materials suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile at times seeming to act like a personal assistant.

A short time before the exchange in which Epstein seemed to arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid booking agent in the world ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are pretty good asst", to which Epstein replied "Therapies. Excluded".

Discussing a visit to "AD" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you're well looked after."

British Affairs Discussed in Exchanges

The released communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in that year.

Earlier on the day of his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit thing this morning with Nigel, Boris and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a reference to the UK prime minister, the embattled British leader at the period, he added: "They are trying to proceed. may today / tomorrow…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think staying as much as you can uk. Best-- so people see the commitment of your follow through."

Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa May survive". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely BUT the guys over here have little courage" and noted "Boris ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - someone has to step up".

Theresa May was finally toppled in 2019 after withstanding two votes of lack of support in late 2018.

A representative for Reform UK informed media: "Farage has not been in a gathering with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting took place.

The US House of Representatives will decide next week on whether the justice department should release all its files related to its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in prison in that year.

Attention in Epstein's associations with influential individuals was renewed this week after the publication of over 20,000 documents from his archives.

A portion of those mentioned Trump, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they fell out in the 2000s, a couple of years before Epstein was initially charged.

Nicole Reed
Nicole Reed

A travel writer and cultural enthusiast documenting hidden gems across Canada with a focus on sustainable exploration.