Emails Reveal Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Connection
In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK to deliver a address at the prestigious Oxford Union.
The speech was interrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters delayed speech I doubt I can catch the flight we r enroute to heathrow".
Epstein responded: "There. Is a gulf air that leaves at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an amazing helper".
These messages were published on this week together with more than 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.
The disclosure by the House oversight committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is redacted. Media outlets has been able to confirm his involvement by matching the timeline, occurrences, and locations mentioned.
For instance, Epstein discusses chartering a plane from the UK for the unnamed individual in the chat, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and gave the talk at the Oxford two days later.
Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, did not reply on the request for comment.
'I'll make sure you're well looked after'
Bannon served as the president's key advisers in the lead-up to the presidential election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but stepped down from the administration in August 2017.
He has acknowledged he was making a film about Epstein before his passing and reportedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his podcast recently, he stated: "We plan to publish the film, the five-part series, next year - at the start of next year."
But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile occasionally appearing to serve like a aide.
A short time prior to the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the highest-paid booking agent in the world ".
Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are pretty good assistant", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Not Included".
Discussing a visit to "AD" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you are taken care of."
British Affairs Mentioned in Messages
The released communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in that year.
Earlier on the day of his address at the Oxford, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit issue this day with Farage, Johnson and Mogg."
Then, in what appears to be a reference to Theresa May, the embattled British leader at the period, he continued: "The guys are trying to proceed. May today / tomorrow…"
Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view remaining as long as you can uk. Ideal- so others see the commitment of your follow-up."
Soon after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa May remain in power". Bannon answered: "I don't see how however the guys here have no balls" and added "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - someone has to take charge".
Theresa May was eventually removed in May 2019 after surviving two votes of lack of support in December 2018.
A spokesman for Reform UK informed media: "Farage has never been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter took place.
The Congress will decide next week on whether the Department of Justice should release all its files related to its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in jail in 2019.
Attention in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was renewed this week after the release of over 20,000 pages from his estate.
Some of those mentioned Trump, who has repeatedly denied any impropriety. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for years, but says they parted ways in the 2000s, a couple of years before Epstein was initially charged.