Messages Reveal Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Ties

Steve Bannon
Bannon served as Trump's key strategists before stepping down from the White House in 2017

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

The speech was interrupted by hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters slowed down my talk don't think I can make the flight we are heading to the airport".

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

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

The disclosure by the House oversight committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC has been able to establish his involvement by matching the timeline, occurrences, and locations mentioned.

For example, Epstein discusses arranging a plane from the UK for the unnamed individual in the chat, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and delivered the speech at the Oxford Union two days later.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any wrongdoing, declined to comment on the inquiry.

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

Bannon served as Trump's key advisers in the lead-up to the 2016 election and in the early days of his first administration, but stepped down from the White House in August 2017.

He has admitted he was producing a documentary about Epstein prior to his passing and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show recently, he stated: "We plan to release the series, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - early next year."

But the newly released documents indicate Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile at times seeming to act like a aide.

A few days prior to the conversation in which Epstein seemed to booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like 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 trip to "Abu Dhabi" in another message, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you are taken care of."

UK Politics Mentioned in Exchanges

The published communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in 2018.

Earlier on the day of his speech at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit issue this day with Nigel, 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 move on. May today / tomorrow…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think staying as long as you can uk. Ideal- so people get the commitment of your follow-up."

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

Theresa May was eventually removed in May 2019 after withstanding two votes of lack of support in December 2018.

A representative for Reform UK informed the BBC: "Farage has not been in a meeting with Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting occurred.

The US House of Representatives will decide soon on whether the Department of Justice should make public all its files related to its probe into Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.

Interest in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was renewed this week after the release of more than 20,000 documents from his estate.

Some of those mentioned Trump, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The leader was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but claims they fell out in the 2000s, two years before Epstein was first arrested.

Kara Chase
Kara Chase

A tech entrepreneur and writer passionate about sharing insights on digital transformation and startup culture.