Messages Uncover Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Connection
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 disrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to travel that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Activists delayed speech don't think I can catch the flight we are heading to heathrow".
Epstein replied: "That. Is a Gulf Air departing at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an amazing helper".
These messages were released on this week together with over 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. Media outlets managed to confirm his involvement by cross-referencing the dates, events, and places referenced.
For example, Epstein discusses chartering a jet from the UK for the unnamed individual in the messages, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon participated in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and gave the speech at the Oxford two days later.
Bannon, who faces no allegations of any wrongdoing, declined to comment on the request for comment.
'I'll make sure you're well looked after'
Bannon was one of the president's closest advisers in the lead-up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but resigned from the White House in August 2017.
He has admitted he was making a documentary about Epstein before his death and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a live taping of his show earlier this year, he stated: "We're going to release the film, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - early next year."
But the newly released materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein extended 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 remarked: "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. Not Included".
Discussing a visit to "AD" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you're well looked after."
British Affairs Mentioned in Messages
The released messages also show Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in that year.
Earlier on the same day his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit thing this morning with Nigel, Johnson and Rees Mogg."
Then, in what appears to be a reference to Theresa May, the embattled UK prime minister at the period, he continued: "They are trying to proceed. may soon…"
Epstein suggested Bannon: "In my view remaining as long as you can uk. Best-- so people get the dedication of your follow through."
Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa May survive". Bannon replied: "I don't see how BUT the people here have no balls" and noted "Boris ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - someone has to step up".
May was eventually toppled in May 2019 after surviving two votes of lack of support in late 2018.
A spokesman for the political party informed media: "Nigel Farage has never been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting occurred.
The US House of Representatives will decide next week on whether the justice department should make public all its records concerning its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in jail in that year.
Attention in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was renewed this week after the release of over 20,000 pages from his archives.
A portion of those mentioned the former president, who has repeatedly rejected any impropriety. The president was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but says they parted ways in the 2000s, a couple of years before Epstein was first arrested.