Correspondence Reveal the late financier and Steve Bannon Connection

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of Trump's closest advisers prior to resigning from the White House in August 2017

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly Donald Trump's chief strategist, visited the UK preparing for a address at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The event was interrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters slowed down speech I doubt I can catch the flight we are heading to the airport".

Epstein responded: "That. Is a gulf air that leaves at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an amazing assistant".

These exchanges were released on Wednesday together with over 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the deceased financier convicted of sex crimes.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is redacted. Media outlets managed to confirm his involvement by cross-referencing the timeline, events, and places mentioned.

For instance, Epstein talks about chartering a jet from Scotland 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 on November 16.

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

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

Bannon was one of the president's key aides in the lead-up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but resigned from the administration in August 2017.

He has admitted he was producing a documentary about Epstein prior to his death and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his show recently, he said: "We're going to publish the series, the five-part series, next year - at the start of next year."

But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's relationship with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a aide.

A short time before the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the highest-paid booking agent in history ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are quite capable asst", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Not Included".

Discussing a trip to "AD" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you are taken care of."

British Affairs Discussed in Messages

The published messages also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in that year.

Earlier on the day of his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the Brexit issue this morning with Farage, Boris and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a reference to the UK prime minister, the embattled British leader at the period, he continued: "They are trying to proceed. May soon…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "In my view remaining as much as you can uk. Best-- so others get the dedication of your follow-up."

Soon after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa May remain in power". Bannon replied: "I don't see how BUT the guys over here have little courage" and added "Boris ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - someone has to take charge".

Theresa May was finally removed in May 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of lack of support in late 2018.

A representative for Reform UK told media: "Nigel Farage has not been in a gathering with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is no evidence that encounter occurred.

The US House of Representatives will vote next week on whether the justice department should release all its files related to its probe into Epstein, who died in jail in 2019.

Interest in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was renewed recently after the publication of over 20,000 pages from his estate.

A portion of those mentioned the former president, who has consistently denied any impropriety. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but says they fell out in the early 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.

Denise Meza
Denise Meza

Elin is a futurist and tech analyst with a background in environmental science, focusing on sustainable innovation and digital transformation.