Messages Uncover Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Connection

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of Trump's top advisers before stepping down from the White House in August 2017

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, visited the UK preparing for a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The speech was disrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists slowed down my talk don't think I can catch the plane we are heading to the airport".

Epstein responded: "That. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an excellent helper".

These messages were released on this week together with over 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC managed to confirm his involvement by matching the timeline, events, and places referenced.

For example, Epstein discusses arranging a plane from the UK for the unnamed individual in the chat, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the speech at the Oxford Union two days later.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, did not reply on the inquiry.

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

Bannon was one of the president's closest aides in the run up to the 2016 election and in the early days of his presidency, but stepped down from the White House in August 2017.

He has admitted he was making a documentary about Epstein before his passing and allegedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show recently, he stated: "We plan to publish the film, the five-part series, next year - at the start of next year."

But the newly released documents suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a aide.

A short time prior to the exchange in which Epstein seemed to arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid travel agent in the world ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are pretty good assistant", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Excluded".

Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in another message, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you're taken care of."

British Affairs Mentioned in Exchanges

The published communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in 2018.

Earlier on the day of his speech at the Oxford, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I became involved in the Brexit thing this morning with Nigel, Boris and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a allusion to Theresa May, the embattled British leader at the time, he added: "They are attempting to proceed. may soon…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think staying as much as you can uk. Best-- so people get the dedication of your follow through."

Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa May survive". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely BUT the people over here have no balls" and added "Johnson ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to step up".

Theresa May was eventually removed in May 2019 after surviving two votes of lack of support in late 2018.

A representative for the political party told media: "Nigel Farage has never been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting took place.

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

Attention in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was renewed recently after the release of over 20,000 documents from his estate.

A portion of those referenced Trump, who has repeatedly rejected any wrongdoing. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but says they parted ways in the 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was first arrested.

Ronald Griffin
Ronald Griffin

A UK-based lifestyle writer with over a decade of experience in travel journalism and wellness coaching.