Emails Highlight the late financier and Steve Bannon Relationship

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of Trump's closest advisers prior to stepping down from the administration in 2017

In late 2018, Steve Bannon, previously a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK preparing for a address at the Oxford Union.

The speech was disrupted by hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters delayed speech I doubt I can make the flight we r enroute to heathrow".

Epstein responded: "That. Is a Gulf Air departing at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an excellent helper".

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

The disclosure by the Congressional committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's name is withheld. The BBC managed to establish his involvement by cross-referencing the dates, events, and places mentioned.

For instance, Epstein talks about chartering a jet from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the chat, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and gave the speech at the Oxford Union on November 16.

Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, did not reply on the inquiry.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon was one of Trump's closest aides in the run up to the presidential election and in the early days of his first administration, but stepped down from the administration in August 2017.

He has admitted he was producing a film about Epstein prior to his passing and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his show recently, he said: "We plan to release the film, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a personal assistant.

A short time before the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the most highly paid booking agent in history ".

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

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."

UK Politics Mentioned in Exchanges

The released communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in 2018.

Earlier on the day of his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit issue this day with Farage, Johnson and Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a allusion to Theresa May, the embattled British leader at the time, he continued: "The guys are trying to move on. may soon…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think staying as long as you can in the UK. Ideal- so people get the dedication of your follow through."

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa may remain in power". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely BUT the people over here have little courage" and noted "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - somebody has to take charge".

Theresa May was finally toppled in 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of lack of support in late 2018.

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

The Congress will decide next week on whether the Department of Justice should make public all its records related to its probe into Epstein, who passed away in prison in 2019.

Interest in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was reignited recently after the release of over 20,000 documents from his archives.

Some of those mentioned the former president, who has consistently rejected any impropriety. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for years, but says they fell out in the 2000s, two years before Epstein was first arrested.

Mark Nelson
Mark Nelson

A seasoned poker strategist with over a decade of experience in UK gaming circles, specializing in online tournament play.