Correspondence Reveal the late financier and former Trump strategist Connection

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of Trump's key strategists prior to resigning from the White House in August 2017

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously a top aide to Donald Trump, was in the UK preparing for a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The speech was interrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters delayed my talk I doubt I can catch the flight we r enroute to the airport".

Epstein replied: "That. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an amazing assistant".

These exchanges were released 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 House oversight committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is withheld. The BBC managed to establish his involvement by matching the timeline, events, and locations mentioned.

For instance, Epstein talks about arranging a plane from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the messages, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and delivered the talk at the Oxford Union two days later.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any wrongdoing, declined to comment on the inquiry.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as Trump's closest aides in the run up to the 2016 election and in the early days of his presidency, but resigned from the White House in August 2017.

He has acknowledged he was producing a film about Epstein prior to his passing and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his podcast earlier this year, he said: "We're going to release the series, the five-part series, in the coming year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier occasionally seeming to act like a personal assistant.

A short time prior to the conversation in which Epstein seemed to arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the highest-paid booking agent in history ".

Bannon thanked him: "You are quite capable asst", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Excluded".

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

UK Politics Mentioned in Exchanges

The published communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in 2018.

On the same day his speech at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit issue this morning with Nigel, Johnson and Rees Mogg."

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

Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view staying as much as you can uk. Ideal- so people see the commitment of your follow-up."

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa may remain in power". Bannon replied: "I don't see how BUT the guys here have little courage" and noted "Boris ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - someone has to take charge".

Theresa May was eventually toppled in May 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of lack of support in December 2018.

A spokesman for the political party told media: "Farage has not been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting took place.

The US House of Representatives will vote 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.

Attention in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was reignited this week after the release of more than 20,000 pages from his estate.

A portion of those referenced Trump, who has repeatedly rejected any impropriety. The leader was a acquaintance of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they parted ways in the 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was initially charged.

Lisa Bryan
Lisa Bryan

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in web development and SEO, passionate about helping businesses grow online.