Messages Highlight Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Relationship

Steve Bannon
Bannon served as the former president's closest strategists before stepping down from the administration in 2017

In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly a top aide to Donald Trump, was in the UK to deliver a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The speech was interrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to travel that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Activists delayed speech I doubt I can make the flight we r enroute to heathrow".

Epstein responded: "There. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an amazing helper".

These messages were published on Wednesday together with over 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the House oversight committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's identity is withheld. Media outlets managed to confirm his involvement by cross-referencing the dates, occurrences, and places referenced.

For example, Epstein talks about arranging a jet from the UK for the redacted user in the chat, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and gave the speech at the Oxford two days later.

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 aides in the lead-up to the presidential election and in the early days of his first administration, but stepped down from the administration in 2017.

He has admitted he was making a film about Epstein prior to his death and reportedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his podcast recently, he said: "We plan to publish the film, the five-part series, in the coming year - at the start of next year."

But the recently disclosed documents indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile occasionally appearing to serve like a personal assistant.

A few days prior to the exchange in which Epstein seemed to booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid travel agent in the world ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r quite capable asst", to which Epstein replied "Therapies. Excluded".

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

UK Politics Discussed in Exchanges

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

On the day of his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the Brexit thing this morning with Farage, Boris and Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a reference to Theresa May, the struggling UK prime minister at the time, he continued: "The guys are attempting to move on. may soon…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view staying as long as you can uk. Ideal- so people see the commitment of your follow through."

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa May survive". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely however the people here have no balls" and noted "Boris ; Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - someone has to take charge".

Theresa May was eventually removed in 2019 after surviving two votes of no confidence in December 2018.

A spokesman for Reform UK informed the BBC: "Nigel Farage has never been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting took place.

The US House of Representatives will vote soon on whether the justice department should make public all its records concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in that year.

Attention in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was renewed this week after the release of more than 20,000 documents from his archives.

Some of those referenced the former president, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The leader was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but says they parted ways in the 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was initially charged.

Carlos Becker
Carlos Becker

Elena Voss is a former casino manager turned gaming analyst, specializing in slot machine mechanics and responsible gambling practices.