Messages Highlight Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Relationship

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of Trump's closest strategists before stepping down from the administration in August 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 event was interrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters slowed down my talk I doubt I can catch the flight we are heading to heathrow".

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

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

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

For example, Epstein talks about chartering a plane from the UK for the redacted user in the messages, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and delivered the speech at the Oxford two days later.

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

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as Trump's closest advisers in the run up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but stepped down from the administration in 2017.

He has acknowledged he was producing a film about Epstein prior to his passing and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a live taping of his show recently, he said: "We're going to publish the series, the multi-part documentary, next year - at the start of next year."

But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's relationship with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier at times appearing to serve like a aide.

A short time before the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the highest-paid booking agent in history ".

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

Discussing a visit to "AD" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you're taken care of."

British Affairs Discussed in Messages

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

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

Then, in what appears to be a allusion to the UK prime minister, the embattled British leader at the period, he added: "The guys are attempting to move on. may soon
"

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think remaining as much as you can uk. Best-- so people see the dedication of your follow through."

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa may survive". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely BUT the guys here have little courage" and noted "Johnson ; Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to take charge".

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

A spokesman for the political party informed media: "Farage has not been in a gathering with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter took place.

The Congress will decide next week on whether the justice department should make public all its files related to its probe into Epstein, who passed away in prison in 2019.

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

A portion of those referenced Trump, who has repeatedly denied any impropriety. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but says they fell out in the early 2000s, two years before Epstein was initially charged.

Dana Hale
Dana Hale

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