Messages Reveal Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Relationship

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of the former president's key advisers before stepping down from the administration in 2017

In late 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, visited the UK to deliver a address at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The speech was disrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters slowed down my talk I doubt I can make the flight we are heading to the airport".

Epstein responded: "That. Is a Gulf Air departing at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an excellent assistant".

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

The release by the Congressional committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's identity is withheld. The BBC has been able to establish his identity by matching the dates, occurrences, and places referenced.

For instance, Epstein talks about chartering a jet from the UK for the redacted user in the chat, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and gave the talk at the Oxford Union two days later.

Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, did not reply on the request for comment.

'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 first administration, but resigned from the administration in 2017.

He has acknowledged he was producing a film about Epstein prior to his death and reportedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping 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 materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a aide.

A short time before the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the most highly paid booking agent in history ".

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

Discussing a visit to "AD" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you're taken care of."

UK Politics Discussed in Exchanges

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

Earlier on the day of his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit issue this day with Farage, Boris and Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a reference to the UK prime minister, the struggling British leader at the time, he continued: "They are attempting to move on. may today / tomorrow…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "In my view staying as long as you can in the UK. Ideal- so others see the commitment of your follow through."

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa may remain in power". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely BUT the people here have no balls" and noted "Boris ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - someone has to take charge".

Theresa May was eventually toppled in 2019 after withstanding two votes of lack of support in late 2018.

A representative for Reform UK informed media: "Nigel Farage has never been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting took place.

The Congress will vote soon on whether the justice department should release all its records related to its probe into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.

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

Some of those referenced the former president, who has repeatedly denied any impropriety. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they parted ways in the early 2000s, two years before Epstein was initially charged.

Courtney Edwards
Courtney Edwards

A seasoned casino gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in slot systems and player strategy optimization.