Messages Uncover the late financier and former Trump strategist Relationship

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of Trump's top strategists prior to stepping down from the administration in 2017

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

The event was disrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to travel that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters slowed down my talk don't think I can make the flight we r enroute to heathrow".

Epstein replied: "There. Is a gulf air departing at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an excellent assistant".

These exchanges were released on Wednesday together with more than 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.

The release by the Congressional committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's identity is redacted. The BBC has been able to confirm his involvement by cross-referencing the timeline, occurrences, and places mentioned.

For instance, Epstein discusses chartering a jet from Scotland for the redacted user in the messages, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and gave the talk at the Oxford on November 16.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, did not reply on the request for comment.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as Trump's key advisers in the lead-up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but stepped down from the White House in 2017.

He has acknowledged he was producing a film about Epstein before his passing and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his show recently, he stated: "We're going to release the film, the five-part series, in the coming year - at the start of next year."

But the recently disclosed materials suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier at times seeming to act like a aide.

A short time before the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have booked a private plane 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 replied "Massages. Not Included".

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

British Affairs Discussed in Messages

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

Earlier on the day of his address at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit issue this day with Farage, Boris and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a allusion to Theresa May, the embattled British leader at the period, he added: "The guys are attempting to proceed. may soon…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think staying as long as you can uk. Best-- so people get the commitment of your follow-up."

Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa may remain in power". Bannon answered: "I don't see how however the guys here have little courage" and noted "Boris ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - someone has to take charge".

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

A spokesman for the political party informed the BBC: "Farage has not been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest 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 probe into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.

Interest in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was renewed recently after the publication of over 20,000 pages from his estate.

Some of those mentioned Trump, who has consistently denied any impropriety. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for years, but claims they parted ways in the 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.

Brianna Garcia
Brianna Garcia

Wildlife biologist with a focus on sloth ecology, passionate about conservation and environmental education.