Correspondence Uncover Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Connection
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 interrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters delayed my talk I doubt I can make the plane we r enroute to the airport".
Epstein responded: "There. Is a gulf air that leaves at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an amazing assistant".
These messages were released on Wednesday together with over 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.
The release by the House oversight committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is withheld. Media outlets has been able to confirm his involvement by cross-referencing the dates, occurrences, and places referenced.
For example, Epstein talks about arranging a plane from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the messages, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and gave the talk at the Oxford Union on November 16.
Bannon, who faces no allegations of any wrongdoing, declined to comment on the inquiry.
'I'll make sure you're well looked after'
Bannon was one of the president's key advisers in the lead-up to the presidential election and in the early days of his presidency, but resigned from the administration in August 2017.
He has admitted he was producing a documentary about Epstein before his death and allegedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his podcast recently, he said: "We're going to release the film, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."
But the newly released materials indicate Bannon's relationship with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier at times appearing to serve like a aide.
A few days prior to the exchange in which Epstein seemed to arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid travel agent in the world ".
Bannon thanked him: "You are quite capable assistant", to which Epstein replied "Therapies. Not Included".
Discussing a trip to "AD" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you're well looked after."
UK Politics Discussed in Exchanges
The published communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in 2018.
Earlier on the same day his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit thing this morning with Farage, Boris 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 move on. may today / tomorrow…"
Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view staying as long as you can uk. Best-- so people see the commitment of your follow-up."
Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa May remain in power". Bannon answered: "I don't see how BUT the people here have little courage" and added "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; David Davis - someone has to step up".
May was eventually removed in 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of no confidence in late 2018.
A representative for Reform UK told media: "Farage has not been in a meeting with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter took place.
The Congress will decide next week on whether the Department of Justice should release all its records related to its investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in that year.
Interest in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was renewed this week after the publication of more than 20,000 pages from his archives.
A portion of those referenced Trump, who has repeatedly rejected any wrongdoing. The leader was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but claims they parted ways in the 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was initially charged.