🔗 Share this article

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

The speech was interrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, who was due to travel that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters delayed speech I doubt I can catch the plane we r enroute to the airport".

Epstein replied: "There. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an amazing helper".

These messages were published on this week alongside over 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the House oversight committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is redacted. Media outlets has been able to establish his involvement by cross-referencing the timeline, events, and locations mentioned.

For example, Epstein talks about arranging a jet from the UK for the unnamed individual in the messages, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon participated in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and gave the talk at the Oxford two days later.

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

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as the president's key aides in the lead-up to the presidential election and in the early days of his first administration, but resigned from the White House in 2017.

He has admitted he was making a film about Epstein prior to his passing and allegedly has around 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 - early next year."

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

A few days before the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the most highly paid booking agent in the world ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r quite capable assistant", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Not Included".

Discussing a visit to "AD" in another message, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."

British Affairs Mentioned in Messages

The released messages also show Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in that year.

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

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

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think remaining as long as you can uk. Ideal- so people see the dedication of your follow-up."

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa May remain in power". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely BUT the people here have little courage" and added "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; David Davis - someone has to step up".

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

A representative for Reform UK told the BBC: "Nigel Farage has not been in a gathering with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter occurred.

The Congress will vote soon on whether the Department of Justice should release all its records related to its probe into Epstein, who passed away in jail in 2019.

Interest in Epstein's associations with influential individuals was reignited this week after the release of over 20,000 pages from his archives.

A portion of those referenced the former president, who has consistently rejected any impropriety. The president was a friend of Epstein's for years, but says they fell out in the 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.