Messages Reveal the late financier and Steve Bannon Ties
In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, visited the UK preparing for a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.
The speech was disrupted by hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Activists slowed down my talk I doubt I can catch the plane we are heading to heathrow".
Epstein replied: "There. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an excellent helper".
These messages were released on this week alongside over 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.
The release by the Congressional committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. Media outlets has been able to establish his involvement by matching the dates, occurrences, and places referenced.
For example, Epstein talks about chartering a plane from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the chat, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the talk at the Oxford Union two days later.
Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, did not reply on the request for comment.
Epstein's Assurance to Bannon
Bannon served as Trump's closest advisers in the run up to the 2016 election and in the early days of his presidency, but stepped down from the administration in 2017.
He has admitted he was producing a film about Epstein prior to his passing and reportedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show earlier this year, he stated: "We're going to publish the film, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."
But the newly released materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier at times appearing to serve like a aide.
A few days prior to the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the most highly paid booking agent in the world ".
Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are quite capable asst", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".
Discussing a visit to "AD" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you're well looked after."
British Affairs Discussed in Messages
The released messages also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in that year.
On the same day his speech at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit thing this day with Nigel, Johnson and Mogg."
Then, in what appears to be a reference to the UK prime minister, the embattled British leader at the time, he added: "They are attempting to proceed. May today / tomorrow…"
Epstein advised Bannon: "I think staying as much as you can in the UK. Best-- so others see the commitment of your follow through."
Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa May remain in power". Bannon answered: "I don't see how BUT the guys here have little courage" and noted "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - someone has to take charge".
Theresa May was finally toppled in May 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of no confidence in late 2018.
A representative for the political party told the BBC: "Farage has not been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting occurred.
The Congress will vote soon on whether the Department of Justice should release all its files related to its probe into Epstein, who passed away in prison in 2019.
Interest in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was reignited this week after the publication of over 20,000 pages from his estate.
A portion of those mentioned Trump, who has consistently 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 prior to Epstein was initially charged.