Messages Highlight Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Connection

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of Trump's top advisers before stepping down from the administration in August 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 event was interrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters slowed down my talk I doubt I can make the flight we are heading to heathrow".

Epstein responded: "There. Is a Gulf Air departing at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an amazing helper".

These messages were released on this week together with more than 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The release by the House oversight committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's identity is withheld. The BBC managed to establish his involvement by matching the timeline, occurrences, and places mentioned.

For instance, Epstein discusses arranging a jet from Scotland for the redacted user in the chat, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and delivered the speech at the Oxford Union two days later.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, 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 presidential election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but resigned from the administration in August 2017.

He has acknowledged he was producing a documentary about Epstein prior to his passing and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show earlier this year, he said: "We plan to release the series, the five-part series, next year - at the start of next year."

But the newly released materials suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile occasionally appearing to serve like a aide.

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

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

Discussing a visit to "AD" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I'll make sure you're well looked after."

UK Politics Mentioned in Exchanges

The published messages also show Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in that year.

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

Then, in what appears to be a allusion to Theresa May, the struggling UK prime minister at the time, he added: "They are attempting to proceed. May soon…"

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

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa May survive". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely BUT the people over here have little courage" and added "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - someone has to take charge".

Theresa May was eventually removed in May 2019 after surviving two votes of lack of support in December 2018.

A representative for the political party informed the BBC: "Farage has never been in a meeting with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting took place.

The Congress will decide soon on whether the justice department should release all its records concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in that year.

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

A portion of those referenced Trump, who has consistently rejected any wrongdoing. 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 before Epstein was first arrested.

John Hudson
John Hudson

A digital strategist with over 8 years of experience in web development and content marketing, passionate about simplifying tech for businesses.