Correspondence Reveal Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Relationship

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of Trump's top advisers prior to stepping down from the administration in August 2017

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, visited the UK to deliver a address at the Oxford Union.

The speech was interrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to travel that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Activists slowed down my talk I doubt I can catch the flight we r enroute to heathrow".

Epstein responded: "There. Is a Gulf Air departing at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "U r an amazing helper".

These exchanges were published on this week together with more than 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC has been able to confirm his involvement by matching the dates, events, and places referenced.

For example, Epstein talks about arranging a jet from the UK for the redacted user in the messages, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and gave the talk at the Oxford two days later.

Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, declined to comment on the inquiry.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as the president's key advisers in the lead-up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but resigned from the White House in 2017.

He has acknowledged he was producing a documentary about Epstein prior to his death and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his show recently, he stated: "We're going to release the film, the five-part series, in the coming year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's relationship with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a aide.

A few days before the exchange in which Epstein seemed to arranged a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid travel agent in the world ".

Bannon thanked him: "You are quite capable assistant", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Not Included".

Discussing a trip to "AD" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you're well looked after."

British Affairs Mentioned in Messages

The released messages also show Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in that year.

Earlier on the same day his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit issue this day with Nigel, Boris and Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a reference to the UK prime minister, the embattled British leader at the period, he added: "They are attempting to move on. May today / tomorrow…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view remaining as long as you can uk. Best-- so people get the dedication of your follow-up."

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa May remain in power". Bannon answered: "I don't see how BUT the people over here have no balls" and noted "Johnson ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - someone has to step up".

May was eventually toppled in May 2019 after withstanding two votes of no confidence in late 2018.

A representative for Reform UK told the BBC: "Nigel Farage has never been in a meeting with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is no evidence that encounter took place.

The Congress will decide soon on whether the Department of Justice should make public all its records related to its investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in that year.

Interest in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was renewed recently after the publication of over 20,000 pages from his archives.

A portion of those referenced the former president, who has repeatedly rejected any wrongdoing. The leader was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but says they parted ways in the early 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was initially charged.

Penny Matthews
Penny Matthews

Maya Chen is a software engineer and tech writer with over 8 years of experience in web development and AI, passionate about simplifying complex topics.