Messages Highlight Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Ties

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of Trump's closest advisers prior to stepping down from the White House in 2017

In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK preparing for a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The speech was disrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters delayed speech don't think I can make the plane we r enroute to the airport".

Epstein replied: "There. Is a gulf air departing at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an excellent assistant".

These exchanges were published on this week alongside more than 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the House oversight committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is withheld. The BBC has been able to confirm his involvement by matching the dates, events, and locations referenced.

For example, Epstein talks about arranging a jet from the UK for the unnamed individual in the messages, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the talk at the Oxford two days later.

Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, did not reply on the inquiry.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon was one of Trump's key aides in the lead-up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but resigned from the administration in 2017.

He has acknowledged he was making a film about Epstein before his passing and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his show earlier this year, he said: "We're going to release the film, the multi-part documentary, next year - at the start of next year."

But the recently disclosed documents suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier occasionally appearing to serve like a personal assistant.

A short time before the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the most highly paid travel agent in history ".

Bannon thanked him: "U r pretty good assistant", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Excluded".

Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you're well looked after."

British Affairs Mentioned in Exchanges

The released communications also show Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in that year.

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

Then, in what seems like a reference to the UK prime minister, the embattled UK prime minister at the period, he continued: "The guys are trying to move on. may soon…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view remaining as much as you can in the UK. Best-- so people see the commitment of your follow through."

Soon after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa May survive". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely BUT the people over here have little courage" and added "Boris ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - someone has to take charge".

Theresa May was eventually removed in May 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of no confidence in December 2018.

A spokesman for the political party told media: "Nigel Farage has never been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter took place.

The Congress will vote next week on whether the justice department should make public all its records related to its probe into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.

Attention in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was reignited this week after the release of over 20,000 pages from his archives.

Some of those mentioned the former president, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The leader was a acquaintance of Epstein's for a long time, but says they parted ways in the 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.

Steven Serrano
Steven Serrano

A digital artist and vector graphics specialist with over a decade of experience in creating stunning visual designs for global brands.