Correspondence Uncover Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Ties

Steve Bannon
Bannon served as the former president's closest strategists prior to resigning from the administration in August 2017

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, visited the UK to deliver a address at the Oxford Union.

The speech was disrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists slowed down my talk I doubt I can catch the flight we are heading to the airport".

Epstein responded: "There. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an amazing assistant".

These messages were released on this week together with over 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.

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

For instance, Epstein talks about chartering a plane from the UK for the unnamed individual in the messages, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon participated in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and gave the talk at the Oxford 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 closest aides in the run up to the presidential election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but resigned from the administration in 2017.

He has acknowledged he was making a film about Epstein before his death and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his podcast earlier this year, he stated: "We plan to release 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 extended than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier at times seeming to act like a aide.

A short time before the conversation 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 quite capable assistant", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Not Included".

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

UK Politics Mentioned in Exchanges

The published messages also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in that year.

On the same day his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit issue this morning with Farage, Boris and Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a reference to Theresa May, the embattled UK prime minister at the time, he continued: "The guys are attempting to proceed. may soon…"

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

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa May remain in power". Bannon answered: "I don't see how BUT the guys over here have little courage" and added "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; David Davis - someone has to take charge".

Theresa May was eventually toppled in May 2019 after surviving two votes of lack of support in late 2018.

A representative for Reform UK informed media: "Farage has never been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting occurred.

The Congress will vote next week on whether the justice department should make public all its records related to its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in prison in that year.

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

A portion of those mentioned the former president, who has repeatedly denied any impropriety. The leader was a acquaintance of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they parted ways in the 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was first arrested.

Zachary Price
Zachary Price

A seasoned journalist with a passion for storytelling and Swiss affairs, bringing unique insights to every piece.