Emails Highlight the late financier and former Trump strategist Relationship

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

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, was in the UK to deliver a speech at the Oxford Union.

The speech was disrupted by hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters delayed speech don't think I can catch the plane we are heading to heathrow".

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

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 iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is withheld. The BBC managed to establish his identity by cross-referencing the timeline, occurrences, and locations referenced.

For instance, Epstein talks about chartering a jet from the UK for the unnamed individual in the chat, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the speech at the Oxford two days later.

Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, did not reply on the inquiry.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as Trump's key aides in the run up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but stepped down from the White House in 2017.

He has admitted he was making a documentary about Epstein before his death and allegedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a live taping of his podcast earlier this year, he stated: "We're going to release the film, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - at the start of next year."

But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile occasionally seeming to act like a personal assistant.

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

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

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

British Affairs Discussed in Messages

The released messages also show Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in 2018.

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

Then, in what appears to be a reference to the UK prime minister, the struggling British leader at the time, he added: "They are trying to move on. may soon…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think staying as long as you can in the UK. Best-- so others see the dedication of your follow through."

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa may survive". Bannon replied: "I don't see how however the guys here have no balls" and added "Boris ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to step up".

May was eventually removed in 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of lack of support in December 2018.

A spokesman for the political party informed media: "Farage has not been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is no evidence that encounter took place.

The Congress will vote next week on whether the justice department should make public all its files concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.

Interest in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was renewed recently after the publication of over 20,000 documents from his archives.

A portion of those mentioned Trump, who has consistently 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.

Matthew Ramirez
Matthew Ramirez

A wellness coach and writer passionate about holistic health and mindful living, sharing evidence-based tips for everyday balance.