Emails Highlight the late financier and Steve Bannon Ties

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of the former president's closest strategists before stepping down from the White House in August 2017

In late 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, was in the UK preparing for a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The event was disrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists slowed down speech I doubt I can make the flight we are heading to heathrow".

Epstein replied: "There. Is a gulf air departing at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an excellent helper".

These messages were published on Wednesday alongside more than 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the deceased financier convicted of sex crimes.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is withheld. The BBC has been able to establish his identity by cross-referencing the dates, events, and places referenced.

For example, Epstein talks about arranging 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 November 14, and delivered the speech at the Oxford on November 16.

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

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

Bannon was one of 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 administration in August 2017.

He has acknowledged he was making a film about Epstein before his passing and allegedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his podcast earlier this year, he stated: "We plan to publish the film, the five-part series, next year - early next year."

But the newly released materials indicate Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile occasionally appearing to serve like a aide.

A few days prior to the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid travel agent in history ".

Bannon thanked him: "You are quite capable assistant", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I'll make sure you're well looked after."

UK Politics Discussed in Exchanges

The released communications also show Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in 2018.

Earlier on the same day his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit issue this day with Nigel, Johnson and Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a allusion to Theresa May, the embattled UK prime minister at the time, he continued: "They are attempting to proceed. may today / tomorrow…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view remaining as long as you can in the UK. Best-- so others see the commitment of your follow-up."

Soon after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa may survive". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely however the people over here have little courage" and added "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - somebody has to take charge".

Theresa May was finally removed in 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of no confidence in December 2018.

A spokesman for Reform UK told the BBC: "Farage has never been in a meeting with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting took place.

The Congress will decide next week on whether the Department of Justice should release all its files concerning its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in jail in that year.

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

Some of those referenced Trump, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but claims they parted ways in the early 2000s, a couple of years before Epstein was first arrested.

Matthew Houston
Matthew Houston

A tech journalist and software developer with over a decade of experience covering AI advancements and cybersecurity trends.