Messages Highlight Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Ties

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of Trump's top strategists before resigning from the White House in August 2017

In late 2018, Steve Bannon, previously a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK to deliver a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The speech was interrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters delayed speech don't think I can catch the flight we r enroute to the airport".

Epstein replied: "There. Is a Gulf Air departing at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "U r an amazing assistant".

These exchanges were released on Wednesday alongside over 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

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

For instance, Epstein discusses chartering a plane from Scotland for the redacted user in the messages, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and delivered the talk at the Oxford two days later.

Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, did not reply on the inquiry.

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

Bannon was one of the president's key advisers in the run up to the presidential election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but resigned from the administration in August 2017.

He has admitted he was making a documentary about Epstein prior to his passing and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his show recently, he stated: "We're going to release the film, the multi-part documentary, next year - at the start of next year."

But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile at times seeming to act like a aide.

A few days prior to the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the most highly paid travel agent in the world ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r pretty good assistant", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Excluded".

Discussing a trip to "AD" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you are taken care of."

UK Politics Mentioned in Messages

The released communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in 2018.

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

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

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think staying as long as you can uk. Ideal- so others get the dedication of your follow-up."

Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa May remain in power". Bannon replied: "I don't see how BUT the guys here have little courage" and noted "Johnson ; Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - someone has to step up".

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

A spokesman for the political party informed the BBC: "Nigel Farage has not been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting took place.

The US House of Representatives will decide next week on whether the Department of Justice should make public all its files related to its investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.

Interest in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was renewed this week after the publication of more than 20,000 pages from his estate.

A portion of those mentioned the former president, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The president was a friend of Epstein's for years, but says they parted ways in the early 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was first arrested.

Jordan Williams
Jordan Williams

Maya is a tech innovator and productivity expert with over a decade of experience in AI-driven solutions.

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