Messages Uncover Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Relationship

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, formerly a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK to deliver a speech at the Oxford Union.

The speech was interrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Activists 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 replied: "U r an excellent helper".

These messages were published on Wednesday alongside more than 20,000 pages 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 identity by cross-referencing the dates, occurrences, and locations mentioned.

For instance, Epstein talks about arranging a plane from the UK for the unnamed individual in the messages, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and gave the speech at the Oxford Union 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 served as the president's closest advisers in the run up to the presidential election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but resigned from the White House in 2017.

He has acknowledged he was making a documentary about Epstein before his passing and allegedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show recently, he said: "We plan to release the film, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed documents suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier at times appearing to serve like a aide.

A short time prior to the exchange in which Epstein seemed to booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the most highly paid travel agent in the world ".

Bannon thanked him: "U r quite capable assistant", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Not Included".

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

UK Politics Discussed in Messages

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

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

Then, in what seems like a allusion to the UK prime minister, the struggling UK prime minister at the period, he continued: "They are trying to proceed. may soon…"

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

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa may remain in power". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely however the people over here have little courage" and noted "Boris ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - someone has to step up".

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

A representative for the political party informed the BBC: "Farage has not been in a meeting with Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter took place.

The Congress will decide soon on whether the Department of Justice should release all its files related to its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in prison in that year.

Interest in Epstein's associations with influential individuals was renewed this week after the publication of more than 20,000 pages from his archives.

Some of those mentioned Trump, who has consistently rejected any impropriety. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they fell out in the 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was initially charged.

John Padilla
John Padilla

A seasoned financial analyst specializing in precious metals markets with over a decade of experience in commodity trading.