Emails Uncover the late financier and Steve Bannon Relationship

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

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly Donald Trump's chief strategist, was in the UK to deliver a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The event was disrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to travel that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Activists delayed speech I doubt I can catch the flight we r enroute to the airport".

Epstein responded: "There. Is a gulf air departing at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an amazing helper".

These messages were published on Wednesday together with over 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the deceased financier convicted of sex crimes.

The release by the Congressional committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is withheld. Media outlets has been able to establish his identity by matching the dates, events, and places mentioned.

For instance, Epstein discusses chartering a plane from the UK for the redacted user in the chat, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and delivered the speech at the Oxford Union two days later.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, declined to comment on the request for comment.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as Trump's closest aides in the lead-up to the 2016 election and in the early days of his first administration, but resigned from the administration in 2017.

He has admitted he was making a documentary about Epstein before his death and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his show recently, he stated: "We're going to release the film, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."

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

A few days prior to the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid booking agent in the world ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are quite capable assistant", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".

Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you are taken care of."

UK Politics Mentioned in Messages

The released communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in that year.

Earlier on the same day his speech at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit thing this morning with Farage, Boris and Rees Mogg."

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

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

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa May remain in power". Bannon replied: "I don't see how BUT the people here have little courage" and added "Boris ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - someone has to step up".

Theresa May was eventually removed in May 2019 after withstanding two votes of no confidence in December 2018.

A spokesman for the political party told the BBC: "Farage has never been in a gathering with Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter took place.

The US House of Representatives will decide soon on whether the Department of Justice should release all its records concerning its probe into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.

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

Some of those mentioned Trump, who has repeatedly rejected any wrongdoing. The president was a friend of Epstein's for years, but claims they fell out in the 2000s, a couple of years before Epstein was initially charged.

Holly Colon
Holly Colon

A seasoned digital strategist with over a decade of experience in UK media and marketing, specializing in data-driven campaigns.