Correspondence Uncover Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Connection
In late 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, was in the UK to deliver a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.
The event was disrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters delayed speech I doubt I can catch the flight we are heading to the airport".
Epstein responded: "That. Is a gulf air departing at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an excellent helper".
These messages were released on this week together with over 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.
The release by the Congressional committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC managed to confirm his identity by matching the dates, occurrences, and places referenced.
For instance, Epstein discusses arranging a jet from the UK for the unnamed individual in the messages, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and gave the speech at the Oxford Union two days later.
Bannon, who faces no allegations of any wrongdoing, declined to comment on the inquiry.
Epstein's Assurance to Bannon
Bannon was one of the president's closest aides in the lead-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 admitted he was producing a documentary about Epstein before his death and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his podcast earlier this year, he said: "We're going to release the film, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."
But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's relationship with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier occasionally appearing to serve like a aide.
A short time before the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid booking agent in history ".
Bannon thanked him: "You are quite capable asst", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Not Included".
Discussing a visit to "AD" in another message, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you are taken care of."
UK Politics Discussed in Exchanges
The released communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in 2018.
On the same day his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit thing this morning with Nigel, Boris and Mogg."
Then, in what appears to be a reference to the UK prime minister, the embattled British leader at the time, he continued: "The guys are attempting to move on. May today / tomorrow…"
Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think staying as much as you can in the UK. Ideal- so people get the dedication of your follow through."
Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa may remain in power". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely however the people here have no balls" and added "Boris ; Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - someone has to take charge".
Theresa May was eventually toppled in May 2019 after withstanding two votes of no confidence in late 2018.
A spokesman for the political party informed media: "Nigel Farage has never been in a gathering with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting occurred.
The US House of Representatives will decide next week on whether the justice department should make public all its files concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in that year.
Interest in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was reignited recently after the release of over 20,000 documents from his archives.
Some of those referenced Trump, who has repeatedly rejected any wrongdoing. The president was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they fell out in the 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.