Emails Reveal Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Ties
In late 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, visited the UK to deliver a speech at the Oxford Union.
The speech was disrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters delayed my talk don't think I can catch the plane we are heading to heathrow".
Epstein responded: "That. Is a gulf air that leaves at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "U r an amazing helper".
These exchanges were released on this week alongside more than 20,000 documents from the records of Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.
The release by the Congressional committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's identity is redacted. The BBC has been able to confirm his identity by cross-referencing the dates, events, and places mentioned.
For example, Epstein talks about arranging a jet from Scotland for the redacted user in the messages, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon participated in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and delivered the speech at the Oxford two days later.
Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, declined to comment on the request for comment.
Epstein's Assurance to Bannon
Bannon was one of Trump's closest advisers in the lead-up to the presidential election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but resigned from the White House in 2017.
He has acknowledged he was making a documentary about Epstein prior to his death and allegedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a live taping of his podcast recently, he stated: "We're going to release the film, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - early next year."
But the newly released materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier at times seeming to act like a personal assistant.
A few days prior to the conversation 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: "U r quite capable asst", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Not Included".
Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in another message, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you are taken care of."
British Affairs Discussed in Messages
The published messages also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in 2018.
Earlier on the day of his speech at the Oxford, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit issue this morning with Nigel, Johnson and Rees Mogg."
Then, in what seems like a reference to Theresa May, the embattled British leader at the period, he continued: "They are attempting to move on. may today / tomorrow…"
Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view remaining as long as you can in the UK. Best-- so others get the commitment of your follow through."
Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa May survive". Bannon replied: "I don't see how however the people here have no balls" and noted "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to take charge".
Theresa May was eventually toppled in 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of no confidence in December 2018.
A representative for the political party informed media: "Nigel Farage has never been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting occurred.
The US House of Representatives will decide soon on whether the justice department should release all its files concerning its probe into Epstein, who died in prison in that year.
Interest in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was reignited recently after the release of over 20,000 pages from his archives.
Some of those mentioned Trump, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. 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.