Emails Reveal Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Connection

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of the former president's key strategists before resigning from the administration in 2017

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

The event was disrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to travel that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters slowed down speech I doubt I can make the plane we r enroute to the airport".

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

These messages were released on this week together with over 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the deceased financier convicted of sex crimes.

The release by the Congressional committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's identity is withheld. The BBC has been able to confirm his identity by cross-referencing the timeline, events, and places referenced.

For instance, Epstein talks about arranging a jet from the UK for the unnamed individual in the chat, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and gave the speech at the Oxford Union two days later.

Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, did not reply on the request for comment.

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

Bannon was one of the president's key advisers in the lead-up to the 2016 election and in the early days of his presidency, but stepped down from the White House in 2017.

He has acknowledged he was making a film about Epstein before his passing and reportedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his podcast earlier this year, he said: "We're going to release the series, the five-part series, in the coming year - at the start of next year."

But the recently disclosed documents suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier occasionally seeming to act like a personal assistant.

A short time prior to the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid booking agent in the world ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are pretty good asst", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Not Included".

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you are taken care of."

UK Politics Discussed in Exchanges

The released messages also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in that year.

On the day of his speech at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit issue this day with Farage, Johnson and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a allusion to Theresa May, the struggling UK prime minister at the period, he continued: "The guys are trying to move on. May today / tomorrow…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "In my view remaining as much as you can in the UK. Best-- so people see the dedication of your follow-up."

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa May survive". Bannon replied: "I don't see how however the people over here have little courage" and noted "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - someone has to take charge".

Theresa May was eventually toppled in 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of no confidence in late 2018.

A representative for the political party told media: "Farage has never been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is no evidence that encounter took place.

The Congress will vote next week on whether the Department of Justice should release all its records related to its investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in that year.

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

A portion of those referenced Trump, who has consistently denied any impropriety. The president was a friend of Epstein's for years, but says they fell out in the early 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was initially charged.

Katherine Bennett
Katherine Bennett

Maya Chen is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience covering global affairs and technology trends, known for her clear and concise reporting style.