Emails Reveal the late financier and Steve Bannon Connection

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

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

The speech was interrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Activists delayed my talk I doubt I can make the flight we are heading to the airport".

Epstein responded: "That. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an excellent assistant".

These exchanges were published on Wednesday together with over 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is withheld. The BBC has been able to establish his identity by matching the timeline, occurrences, and locations mentioned.

For example, Epstein talks about arranging a jet from the UK for the unnamed individual in the messages, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and delivered the speech at the Oxford on November 16.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, did not reply on the request for comment.

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

Bannon was one of the president's key advisers in the lead-up to the 2016 election and in the early days of his presidency, but resigned from the White House in 2017.

He has acknowledged he was producing a film about Epstein before his passing and allegedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his show earlier this year, he stated: "We plan to release the film, the five-part series, in the coming year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile occasionally seeming to act like a aide.

A few days before the exchange in which Epstein seemed to arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the most highly paid travel agent in history ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are pretty good asst", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Excluded".

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

UK Politics Discussed in Messages

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

On the same day his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit thing this day with Farage, Boris and Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a reference to Theresa May, the embattled British leader at the time, he continued: "The guys are trying to proceed. May today / tomorrow…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "In my view remaining as much as you can in the UK. Best-- so people get the dedication of your follow through."

Soon after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa May remain in power". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely however the guys over here have no balls" and added "Boris ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - someone has to take charge".

Theresa May was eventually toppled in 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of lack of support in late 2018.

A spokesman for Reform UK informed the BBC: "Farage has not been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting took place.

The US House of Representatives will vote soon on whether the Department of Justice should release all its files concerning its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in prison in that year.

Interest in Epstein's associations with influential individuals was reignited recently after the publication of more than 20,000 pages from his archives.

A portion of those referenced the former president, who has consistently rejected any impropriety. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but says they fell out in the 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.

Deborah Hicks
Deborah Hicks

Elara is a lifestyle writer passionate about exploring cultural shifts and sharing practical tips for everyday enrichment.