Emails Reveal the late financier and Steve Bannon Ties

Steve Bannon
Bannon served as the former president's key advisers prior to stepping down from the administration in August 2017

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

The speech was disrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Activists slowed down my talk I doubt I can make the plane we are heading to heathrow".

Epstein replied: "There. Is a gulf air that leaves at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an excellent assistant".

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

The release by the House oversight committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's identity is redacted. The BBC has been able to confirm his involvement by cross-referencing the dates, events, and places referenced.

For example, Epstein talks about arranging a jet from the UK for the redacted user in the chat, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and gave the speech at the Oxford on November 16.

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

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

Bannon was one of Trump's closest advisers in the lead-up to the 2016 election and in the early days of his first administration, but resigned from the administration in August 2017.

He has acknowledged he was making a documentary about Epstein prior to his death and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his podcast recently, he stated: "We're going to publish the film, the five-part series, in the coming year - at the start of next year."

But the recently disclosed documents indicate Bannon's relationship with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile occasionally appearing to serve like a personal assistant.

A short time before the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid booking agent in history ".

Bannon thanked him: "U r pretty good assistant", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Excluded".

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you're well looked after."

UK Politics Mentioned in Exchanges

The released communications also show Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in that year.

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

Then, in what appears to be a reference to Theresa May, the struggling British leader at the time, he continued: "The guys are attempting to proceed. May soon…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view staying as long as you can in the UK. Ideal- so others see the dedication of your follow through."

Soon after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa may survive". Bannon answered: "I don't see how however the guys here have no balls" and noted "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - somebody has to take charge".

Theresa May was finally toppled in 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of no confidence in December 2018.

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

The US House of Representatives will decide soon on whether the justice department should make public all its files concerning its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in jail in 2019.

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

A portion of those referenced Trump, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they fell out in the early 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was initially charged.

Carolyn Mooney
Carolyn Mooney

A tech enthusiast and writer with over a decade of experience covering digital innovations and consumer electronics.