Messages Reveal Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Relationship

Steve Bannon
Bannon served as the former president's key strategists prior to resigning from the administration in 2017

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

The speech was disrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to travel that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists slowed down speech I doubt I can catch the plane we r enroute to heathrow".

Epstein responded: "That. Is a gulf air that leaves at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an excellent assistant".

These exchanges were published on Wednesday alongside more than 20,000 documents from the records of Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.

The release by the Congressional committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is redacted. Media outlets managed to establish his involvement by cross-referencing the dates, events, and places referenced.

For example, Epstein talks about arranging a plane from Scotland for the redacted user in the messages, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and gave the talk at the Oxford Union on November 16.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, did not reply on the request for comment.

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

Bannon served as the president's key aides in the run up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but resigned from the administration in August 2017.

He has admitted he was making a film about Epstein prior to his passing and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a live taping of his show recently, he stated: "We're going to release the series, the multi-part documentary, next year - at the start of next year."

But the newly released documents indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier occasionally appearing to serve like a personal assistant.

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

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

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

British Affairs Mentioned in Exchanges

The published messages also show Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in that year.

Earlier on the same day his speech at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit thing this morning with Nigel, Boris and Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a reference to Theresa May, the struggling UK prime minister at the time, he added: "The guys are trying to proceed. May soon…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think remaining as much as you can in the UK. Best-- so people see the commitment of your follow through."

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa may survive". Bannon answered: "I don't see how BUT the people over here have no balls" and added "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - somebody has to take charge".

Theresa May was eventually removed in May 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of lack of support in December 2018.

A spokesman for the political party informed the BBC: "Farage has never been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting occurred.

The Congress will decide next week on whether the justice department should release all its files concerning its probe into Epstein, who passed away in prison in that year.

Interest in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was reignited recently after the release of more than 20,000 pages from his archives.

A portion of those mentioned the former president, who has repeatedly rejected any wrongdoing. The president was a friend of Epstein's for years, but claims they fell out in the early 2000s, two years before Epstein was first arrested.

Heidi Hester
Heidi Hester

A passionate gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering industry trends and esports events.