Correspondence Highlight the late financier and former Trump strategist Ties

Steve Bannon
Bannon served as the former president's key strategists before resigning from the White House in 2017

In late 2018, Steve Bannon, previously a top aide to Donald Trump, was in the UK preparing for a address at the Oxford Union.

The speech was disrupted by hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters slowed down speech don't think I can make the flight we are heading to heathrow".

Epstein responded: "That. Is a Gulf Air departing at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an amazing assistant".

These exchanges were published on this week alongside more than 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. Media outlets has been able to confirm his identity by cross-referencing the timeline, occurrences, and places mentioned.

For instance, Epstein talks about arranging a jet from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the chat, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and delivered the speech at the Oxford 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 was one of Trump's closest advisers in the run up to the presidential election and in the early days of his first administration, but resigned from the White House in August 2017.

He has acknowledged he was producing a documentary about Epstein prior to his death and allegedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a live taping of his show recently, he stated: "We plan to publish the series, the five-part series, next year - early next year."

But the newly released materials suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier at times seeming to act like a aide.

A short time before the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the most highly paid travel agent in history ".

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

Discussing a trip to "AD" in another message, Epstein told Bannon: "I'll make sure you're well looked after."

UK Politics Discussed in Messages

The released communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in 2018.

Earlier on the same day his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the Brexit thing this day with Nigel, Boris and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a allusion to Theresa May, the embattled UK prime minister at the time, he continued: "The guys are attempting to proceed. may today / tomorrow…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think remaining as long as you can uk. Ideal- so people see the commitment of your follow-up."

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa may remain in power". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely BUT the guys over here have no balls" and added "Boris ; Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - someone has to step up".

Theresa May was eventually removed in May 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of no confidence in late 2018.

A representative for the political party told media: "Nigel Farage has not been in a gathering with Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence that encounter occurred.

The US House of Representatives will vote next week on whether the Department of Justice should make public all its records concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.

Attention in Epstein's associations with influential individuals 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 acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but says they parted ways in the early 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was initially charged.

Katherine Orr
Katherine Orr

Evelyn Vance is a seasoned journalist covering UK politics and international affairs with over a decade of experience.