Emails Highlight Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Connection

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

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

The event was disrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists delayed my talk don't think I can make the plane we are heading to the airport".

Epstein replied: "That. Is a gulf air that leaves at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "U r an amazing helper".

These exchanges were published on Wednesday together with more than 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the House oversight committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC managed to confirm his involvement by cross-referencing the dates, events, and locations referenced.

For instance, Epstein talks about chartering a plane from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the chat, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and gave the speech at the Oxford Union on November 16.

Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, declined to comment on the request for comment.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon was one of the president's closest aides in the lead-up to the presidential election and in the early days of his presidency, but stepped down from the administration in 2017.

He has admitted he was producing a film about Epstein before his death and allegedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his podcast recently, he said: "We're going to release the series, the five-part series, in the coming year - early next year."

But the newly released documents indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier occasionally seeming to act like a personal assistant.

A few days before the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid travel agent in the world ".

Bannon thanked him: "You are pretty good assistant", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Not Included".

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you're well looked after."

UK Politics Mentioned in Messages

The released communications also show Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in 2018.

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

Then, in what appears to be a allusion to Theresa May, the struggling UK prime minister at the period, he continued: "The guys are trying to move on. may today / tomorrow…"

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

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa May survive". Bannon answered: "I don't see how however the people here have little courage" and added "Boris ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; David Davis - someone has to take charge".

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

A representative for Reform UK told the BBC: "Farage has not been in a gathering with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting occurred.

The Congress will vote next week on whether the justice department should release all its files related to its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in prison in 2019.

Interest in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was reignited this week after the release of more than 20,000 documents from his estate.

Some of those mentioned the former president, who has consistently rejected any wrongdoing. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they fell out in the early 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.

Travis Miller
Travis Miller

A technology journalist specializing in gaming and digital entertainment, with over a decade of industry experience.