Correspondence Uncover Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Ties

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of the former president's closest strategists before resigning from the administration in August 2017

In late 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, visited the UK to deliver a address at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The speech was interrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Activists slowed down my talk don't think I can catch the flight we r enroute to heathrow".

Epstein replied: "That. Is a gulf air departing at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an excellent helper".

These messages were released on this week together with over 20,000 documents from the records of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC has been able to establish his involvement by matching the dates, occurrences, and locations referenced.

For instance, Epstein talks about chartering a jet from the UK for the redacted user in the chat, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and delivered the talk at the Oxford Union on November 16.

Bannon, who faces no allegations 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 2016 election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but stepped down from the administration in August 2017.

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

But the recently disclosed materials suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier at times appearing to serve 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: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid booking agent in history ".

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

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

UK Politics Discussed in Messages

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

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

Then, in what seems like a allusion to Theresa May, the struggling British leader at the time, he added: "The guys are attempting to move on. May soon…"

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

Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa may survive". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely BUT the guys over here have no balls" and added "Boris ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - someone has to take charge".

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

A spokesman for the political party told the BBC: "Nigel Farage has not been in a meeting with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence that encounter occurred.

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

Interest in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was renewed this week after the publication of more than 20,000 pages from his estate.

A portion of those mentioned the former president, who has repeatedly rejected any impropriety. The leader was a acquaintance of Epstein's for a long time, but says they fell out in the early 2000s, two years before Epstein was first arrested.

Desiree Alexander
Desiree Alexander

Interior designer and home decor enthusiast with a passion for creating cozy, stylish spaces.