Messages Highlight the late financier and former Trump strategist Connection

Steve Bannon
Bannon served as the former president's closest advisers prior to resigning from the administration in August 2017

In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK to deliver a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The event was disrupted by hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters delayed speech I doubt I can make the plane we r enroute to heathrow".

Epstein replied: "There. Is a Gulf Air departing at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an amazing helper".

These messages were released on this week alongside over 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The release by the House oversight committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. Media outlets managed to establish his identity by matching the timeline, events, and locations referenced.

For instance, Epstein discusses chartering a plane from the UK for the unnamed individual in the chat, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and delivered the talk at the Oxford on November 16.

Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, declined to comment on the inquiry.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as the president's key advisers in the lead-up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but resigned from the administration in August 2017.

He has admitted he was producing a film about Epstein prior to his passing and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show earlier this year, he said: "We're going to publish the film, the five-part series, next year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed materials suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier occasionally appearing to serve like a personal assistant.

A few days prior to the exchange in which Epstein seemed to booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the most highly paid booking agent in the world ".

Bannon thanked him: "You are quite capable asst", to which Epstein replied "Therapies. Not Included".

Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."

UK Politics Mentioned in Messages

The published communications also show Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in 2018.

Earlier on the same day his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit thing this morning with Nigel, Boris and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a reference to the UK prime minister, the struggling UK prime minister at the time, he continued: "They are attempting to proceed. May soon…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think remaining as long as you can in the UK. Ideal- so others see the dedication of your follow through."

Soon after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa May survive". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely however the people over here have little courage" and noted "Boris ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to take charge".

May was eventually toppled in May 2019 after surviving two votes of no confidence in December 2018.

A representative for Reform UK informed media: "Farage has never been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is no evidence that encounter took place.

The Congress will vote next week on whether the Department of Justice should release all its records related to its investigation into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.

Interest in Epstein's associations with influential individuals was renewed this week after the release of more than 20,000 documents from his archives.

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

Kenneth Martin
Kenneth Martin

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about exploring how innovation shapes everyday experiences and future possibilities.