Correspondence Uncover Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Relationship

Steve Bannon
Bannon served as Trump's top strategists prior to resigning from the White House in August 2017

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK preparing for a address at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The event was interrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to travel that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists slowed down my talk I doubt I can make the plane we are heading to heathrow".

Epstein replied: "That. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an excellent assistant".

These messages were published on this week together with more than 20,000 documents from the records of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the House oversight committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's identity is withheld. The BBC managed to establish his involvement by cross-referencing the timeline, occurrences, and places referenced.

For instance, Epstein talks about chartering a plane from Scotland for the redacted user in the chat, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the talk at the Oxford Union two days later.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any wrongdoing, declined to comment on the request for comment.

'I'll make sure you're well looked after'

Bannon served as the president's closest advisers in the run up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his presidency, 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 reportedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his podcast recently, he stated: "We plan to publish the film, the five-part series, next year - at the start of next year."

But the newly released materials suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein went further 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 seemed to booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the highest-paid booking agent in the world ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are quite capable asst", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".

Discussing a trip to "AD" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you are taken care of."

UK Politics Mentioned in Messages

The released communications also show Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in that year.

Earlier on the same day his address 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 reference to Theresa May, the embattled British leader at the period, he continued: "They are trying to proceed. may today / tomorrow…"

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

Soon after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa May survive". Bannon answered: "I don't see how BUT the people over here have little courage" and noted "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - someone has to step up".

May was finally removed in 2019 after surviving two votes of no confidence in December 2018.

A representative for Reform UK told media: "Farage has not been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence that encounter occurred.

The US House of Representatives will decide soon on whether the justice department should release all its files related to its probe into Epstein, who died in prison in that year.

Interest in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was reignited recently after the release of more than 20,000 documents from his estate.

A portion of those mentioned the former president, who has repeatedly denied any impropriety. The president was a friend of Epstein's for years, but claims they fell out in the early 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was initially charged.

Courtney Flores
Courtney Flores

Elara is a passionate game designer and writer, sharing insights on indie games and interactive storytelling.