Correspondence Uncover Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Ties
In late 2018, Steve Bannon, previously a top aide to Donald Trump, was in the UK to deliver a speech at the Oxford Union.
The event was disrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters delayed my talk I doubt I can make the plane we r enroute to heathrow".
Epstein responded: "That. Is a Gulf Air departing at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an amazing helper".
These messages were published on this week alongside over 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.
The disclosure by the House oversight committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC has been able to confirm his identity by cross-referencing the dates, occurrences, and places mentioned.
For example, Epstein talks about arranging a plane from the UK for the unnamed individual in the messages, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and delivered the talk at the Oxford Union two days later.
Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, declined to comment on the request for comment.
Epstein's Assurance to Bannon
Bannon was one of the president's key aides in the run up to the presidential election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but resigned from the White House in August 2017.
He has acknowledged he was producing a documentary about Epstein before his passing and allegedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his podcast earlier this year, he stated: "We're going to publish the series, the five-part series, in the coming year - at the start of next year."
But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier occasionally appearing to serve like a personal assistant.
A few days before the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid travel agent in history ".
Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are quite capable asst", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".
Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you are well looked after."
British Affairs Mentioned in Messages
The published messages also show Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in 2018.
On the day of his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit thing this day with Farage, Johnson 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 attempting to move on. may soon…"
Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think remaining as much as you can uk. Best-- so people get the commitment of your follow-up."
Soon after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa may remain in power". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely however the people here have little courage" and added "Boris ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - someone has to take charge".
May was eventually removed in May 2019 after withstanding two votes of no confidence in late 2018.
A representative for the political party told media: "Farage has never been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting took place.
The US House of Representatives will vote soon on whether the justice department should make public all its files concerning its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in prison in 2019.
Interest in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was reignited this week after the publication of more than 20,000 documents from his archives.
Some of those mentioned Trump, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The leader was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but says they parted ways in the 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.