Emails Reveal the late financier and former Trump strategist Ties

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

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

The speech was interrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters delayed speech don't think I can make the plane we are heading to heathrow".

Epstein replied: "That. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "U r an amazing assistant".

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

The release by the Congressional committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is withheld. The BBC has been able to confirm his involvement by cross-referencing the timeline, occurrences, and locations referenced.

For instance, Epstein talks about chartering a plane from the UK for the unnamed individual in the chat, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and gave the talk at the Oxford Union on November 16.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any wrongdoing, did not reply on the inquiry.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

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

He has acknowledged he was producing a film about Epstein prior to his death and allegedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his podcast recently, he said: "We plan to publish the film, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - early next year."

But the newly released materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier occasionally appearing to serve like a personal assistant.

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

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

Discussing a visit to "AD" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you are taken care of."

UK Politics Mentioned in Messages

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

On the same day his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit issue this morning with Farage, Johnson and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a reference to the UK prime minister, the struggling British leader at the time, he continued: "The guys are attempting to proceed. May today / tomorrow…"

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

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa may remain in power". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely however the guys over here have no balls" and added "Johnson ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to take charge".

May was finally toppled in 2019 after surviving two votes of lack of support in late 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 nothing to suggest that encounter occurred.

The US House of Representatives will vote soon on whether the Department of Justice should release all its files concerning 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 publication of over 20,000 documents from his archives.

A portion of those mentioned Trump, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The leader was a acquaintance of Epstein's for a long time, but says they parted ways in the early 2000s, a couple of years before Epstein was initially charged.

Molly Conrad
Molly Conrad

A seasoned travel writer and cultural enthusiast, sharing stories from over 30 countries with a focus on sustainable tourism.