Emails Highlight the late financier and former Trump strategist Connection

Steve Bannon
Bannon served as the former president's top strategists before stepping down from the administration in August 2017

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, was in the UK preparing for a address at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The event was interrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters delayed my talk don't think I can catch the flight we are heading to the airport".

Epstein replied: "There. Is a Gulf Air departing at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an excellent helper".

These messages were released on Wednesday together with more than 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the House oversight committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is withheld. The BBC has been able to confirm his identity by matching the timeline, events, and locations referenced.

For instance, Epstein discusses arranging a jet from the UK for the unnamed individual in the chat, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and delivered the talk at the Oxford on November 16.

Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, declined to comment on the inquiry.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon was one of Trump's key advisers in the lead-up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but stepped down from the administration in August 2017.

He has admitted he was producing a documentary about Epstein prior to his passing and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his show recently, he stated: "We plan to publish the series, the multi-part documentary, next year - at the start of next year."

But the newly released materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier at times seeming to act like a personal assistant.

A few days before the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the highest-paid travel agent in the world ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r pretty good asst", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Excluded".

Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you're well looked after."

British Affairs Mentioned in Exchanges

The published communications also show Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in 2018.

Earlier on the day of his speech at the Oxford, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit thing this day with Nigel, Boris and Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a allusion to the UK prime minister, the struggling UK prime minister at the time, he continued: "They are trying to proceed. May today / tomorrow…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think remaining as long as you can in the UK. Best-- so people see the dedication of your follow through."

Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa May remain in power". Bannon answered: "I don't see how however the guys over here have no balls" and noted "Boris ; Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - somebody has to step up".

Theresa May was eventually removed in 2019 after withstanding two votes of no confidence in December 2018.

A representative for Reform UK told media: "Nigel Farage has never been in a meeting with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting took place.

The US House of Representatives will decide soon on whether the justice department should make public all its records concerning its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in prison in that year.

Attention in Epstein's associations with influential individuals was renewed recently after the release of more than 20,000 pages from his archives.

Some of those referenced the former president, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The president was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they fell out in the early 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.

Kelly Wise
Kelly Wise

A passionate gamer and tech writer with over 8 years of experience covering industry trends and game analysis.