🔗 Share this article

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

The event was interrupted by hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, who was due to travel that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters delayed speech don't think I can catch the plane we are heading to heathrow".

Epstein replied: "There. Is a Gulf Air departing at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an amazing helper".

These messages were published on this week together with more than 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.

The release by the Congressional committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's name is withheld. Media outlets has been able to confirm his identity by matching the timeline, events, and places referenced.

For instance, Epstein talks about chartering a jet from the UK for the redacted user in the chat, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the talk at the Oxford Union two days later.

Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, did not reply on the inquiry.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

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

He has acknowledged he was making 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 publish the film, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed materials suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a aide.

A short time prior to the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the highest-paid booking agent in the world ".

Bannon thanked him: "U r quite capable asst", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Excluded".

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."

British Affairs Discussed in Exchanges

The released messages also show Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in 2018.

On the same day his speech at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the Brexit issue this day with Nigel, Boris and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a allusion to the UK prime minister, the embattled British leader at the time, he added: "They are trying to proceed. May today / tomorrow…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think staying as much as you can in the UK. Best-- so others get the dedication of your follow-up."

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa may survive". Bannon answered: "I don't see how however the people here have no balls" and added "Johnson ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - somebody has to step up".

May was finally toppled in 2019 after withstanding two votes of lack of support in December 2018.

A representative for the political party informed media: "Farage has never been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence that encounter occurred.

The Congress will vote soon on whether the justice department should make public all its records related to its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in jail in that year.

Interest in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was reignited this week after the release of over 20,000 documents from his estate.

A portion of those mentioned the former president, who has repeatedly rejected any impropriety. The president was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they parted ways in the 2000s, two years before Epstein was first arrested.