Correspondence Reveal Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Relationship
In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK preparing for a address at the Oxford Union.
The speech was interrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters delayed speech don't think I can make the plane we r enroute to heathrow".
Epstein responded: "There. Is a gulf air that leaves at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an excellent assistant".
These messages were released on this week alongside over 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the deceased financier convicted of sex crimes.
The disclosure by the House oversight committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is redacted. Media outlets managed to confirm his involvement by cross-referencing the dates, occurrences, and places mentioned.
For instance, Epstein discusses chartering a plane from Scotland for the redacted user in the chat, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and delivered the speech at the Oxford Union two days later.
Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, declined to comment on the inquiry.
'I'll make sure you're well looked after'
Bannon was one of Trump's key advisers in the run up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but stepped down from the White House in August 2017.
He has admitted he was producing a documentary about Epstein prior to his death and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his show earlier this year, he said: "We're going to release the series, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - early next year."
But the newly released materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a personal assistant.
A few days prior to the exchange in which Epstein seemed to booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the highest-paid travel agent in the world ".
Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are pretty good asst", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".
Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."
British Affairs Mentioned in Messages
The released communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in 2018.
Earlier on the day of his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit issue this morning with Nigel, Boris and Mogg."
Then, in what appears to be a reference to the UK prime minister, the struggling British leader at the period, he continued: "They are trying to proceed. May today / tomorrow…"
Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think staying as long as you can uk. Ideal- so people get the commitment of your follow-up."
Soon after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa May survive". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely BUT the people here have little courage" and noted "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - someone has to step up".
Theresa May was finally toppled in 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of lack of support in December 2018.
A representative for Reform UK informed the BBC: "Farage has not been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting occurred.
The Congress will vote next week on whether the Department of Justice should release all its records concerning its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in prison in that year.
Attention in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was renewed this week after the release of more than 20,000 pages from his estate.
A portion of those mentioned Trump, who has repeatedly rejected any wrongdoing. The president was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but says they parted ways in the 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.