Emails Reveal Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Ties

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

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

The speech was disrupted by hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters delayed speech I doubt I can make the flight we r enroute to heathrow".

Epstein replied: "That. Is a Gulf Air departing at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "U r an excellent assistant".

These exchanges were published on Wednesday alongside more than 20,000 documents from the records of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.

The release by the House oversight committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is redacted. Media outlets managed to establish his involvement by matching the dates, occurrences, and places referenced.

For instance, Epstein talks about arranging a plane from the UK for the redacted user in the messages, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and delivered the talk at the Oxford on November 16.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any wrongdoing, did not reply on the request for comment.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as the president's closest advisers in the lead-up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but stepped down from the White House in August 2017.

He has admitted he was making a documentary about Epstein before his passing and reportedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his podcast earlier this year, he stated: "We plan to publish the film, the five-part series, next year - at the start of next year."

But the recently disclosed documents suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier occasionally seeming to act like a aide.

A few days prior to the conversation in which Epstein seemed to booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the highest-paid booking agent in the world ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r quite capable asst", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Excluded".

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

UK Politics Discussed in Messages

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

On the day of his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the Brexit issue this morning with Nigel, Boris and Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a allusion to the UK prime minister, the embattled UK prime minister at the period, he added: "The guys are trying to proceed. May today / tomorrow…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think staying as much as you can uk. Ideal- so people see the dedication of your follow through."

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa May survive". Bannon answered: "I don't see how however the people over here have little courage" and added "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - somebody has to step up".

Theresa May was eventually removed in May 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of lack of support in late 2018.

A representative for the political party informed media: "Nigel Farage has not been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting occurred.

The Congress will vote soon on whether the justice department should release all its files concerning its probe into Epstein, who passed away in prison 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 archives.

A portion of those referenced Trump, who has consistently denied any impropriety. The leader was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but claims they parted ways in the early 2000s, two years before Epstein was initially charged.

William Salinas
William Salinas

Award-winning journalist with over 15 years of experience covering international politics and global affairs.