Messages Reveal Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Ties
In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK preparing for a address at the Oxford Union.
The event was interrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to travel that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters slowed down speech I doubt I can catch the plane we r enroute to heathrow".
Epstein responded: "That. Is a gulf air departing at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an amazing helper".
These exchanges were published on this week alongside over 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.
The release by the House oversight committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is redacted. Media outlets has been able to confirm his involvement by cross-referencing the dates, events, and locations mentioned.
For example, Epstein discusses chartering a jet from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the messages, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and delivered the talk at the Oxford Union on November 16.
Bannon, who is not accused 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 closest advisers in the run 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 film about Epstein prior to his passing and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show earlier this year, he said: "We're going to publish the series, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - at the start of next year."
But the recently disclosed documents indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile at times seeming to act like a aide.
A short time prior to the conversation in which Epstein seemed to booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid booking agent in history ".
Bannon thanked him: "U r pretty good asst", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".
Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I'll make sure you're well looked after."
UK Politics Mentioned in Exchanges
The published communications also show Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in 2018.
Earlier on the day of his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit issue this day with Farage, Johnson and Rees Mogg."
Then, in what appears to be a allusion to Theresa May, the embattled British leader at the time, he added: "The guys are trying to move on. may today / tomorrow…"
Epstein suggested Bannon: "In my view remaining as long as you can in the UK. Ideal- so others see the commitment of your follow-up."
Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa may remain in power". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely however the guys over here have no balls" and noted "Boris ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to take charge".
May was eventually toppled in May 2019 after withstanding two votes of lack of support in December 2018.
A spokesman for Reform UK informed the BBC: "Farage has not been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter took place.
The US House of Representatives will vote soon on whether the justice department should release all its files concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in that year.
Attention in Epstein's associations with influential individuals was renewed recently after the publication of over 20,000 pages from his archives.
Some of those referenced the former president, who has repeatedly rejected any impropriety. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but says they parted ways in the 2000s, two years before Epstein was initially charged.