Emails Highlight the late financier and former Trump strategist Connection

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of the former president's closest advisers prior to resigning from the administration in 2017

In late 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, visited the UK preparing for a speech at the Oxford Union.

The speech was interrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists delayed speech I doubt I can catch the flight we are heading to heathrow".

Epstein replied: "There. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an excellent helper".

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

The disclosure by the Congressional committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC has been able to establish his involvement by cross-referencing the dates, events, and places referenced.

For example, Epstein talks about arranging a jet from the UK for the unnamed individual in the messages, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and gave the speech at the Oxford on November 16.

Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, declined to comment on the request for comment.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as Trump's closest advisers in the lead-up to the presidential election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but stepped down from the administration in August 2017.

He has admitted he was making a documentary about Epstein prior to his death and allegedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show recently, he said: "We plan to publish the film, the five-part series, next year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended 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 appeared to have arranged a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the highest-paid booking agent in history ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are pretty good assistant", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Not Included".

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."

British Affairs Discussed in Messages

The published communications also show Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in that year.

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

Then, in what seems like a allusion to the UK prime minister, the struggling UK prime minister at the time, he added: "The guys are trying to move on. may soon…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think remaining as long as you can uk. Ideal- so people get the dedication of your follow through."

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa may remain in power". Bannon answered: "I don't see how BUT the guys here have no balls" and added "Boris ; Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - somebody has to step up".

May was finally removed in 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of lack of support in December 2018.

A representative for Reform UK told media: "Farage has never been in a meeting with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter occurred.

The US House of Representatives will decide next week on whether the justice department should release all its files concerning its probe into Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.

Attention in Epstein's associations with influential individuals was reignited this week after the publication of more than 20,000 documents from his archives.

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

Alexander Cummings
Alexander Cummings

A tech enthusiast and experienced developer passionate about sharing knowledge and empowering others in the digital space.