Messages Highlight Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Connection

Steve Bannon
Bannon served as the former president's key strategists prior to stepping down from the administration in August 2017

In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly Donald Trump's chief strategist, was in the UK to deliver a address at the Oxford Union.

The event was interrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters slowed down speech don't think I can make the plane we are heading to the airport".

Epstein responded: "That. Is a gulf air that leaves at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an amazing helper".

These exchanges were released on Wednesday together with over 20,000 documents from the records of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is redacted. Media outlets managed to confirm his involvement by cross-referencing the dates, events, and locations referenced.

For instance, Epstein talks about chartering a plane from the UK for the redacted user in the chat, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and gave the talk at the Oxford two days later.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any wrongdoing, did not reply on the inquiry.

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

Bannon served as the president's closest advisers in the lead-up to the presidential election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but stepped down from the White House in 2017.

He has acknowledged he was producing a documentary about Epstein before his passing and allegedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his podcast earlier this year, he said: "We're going to publish the film, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - at the start of next year."

But the newly released documents indicate Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier at times appearing to serve like a personal assistant.

A short time prior to the exchange in which Epstein seemed to booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid booking agent in history ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r pretty good assistant", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".

Discussing a visit to "AD" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you are taken care of."

UK Politics Discussed in Exchanges

The released messages also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in 2018.

Earlier on the day of his speech at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit thing this day with Farage, Johnson and Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a allusion to the UK prime minister, the embattled British leader at the time, he continued: "The guys are trying to move on. May soon…"

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

Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa may remain in power". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely however the guys here have no balls" and noted "Boris ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - someone has to step up".

May was finally removed in May 2019 after surviving two votes of no confidence in late 2018.

A spokesman for the political party told media: "Farage has never 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 Congress will decide soon on whether the justice department should release all its files related to its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in jail in 2019.

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

Some of those mentioned Trump, who has consistently rejected any impropriety. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they parted ways in the early 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was initially charged.

Theodore Holmes
Theodore Holmes

Award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience covering creative industries and digital innovation across the UK.