Emails Uncover Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Relationship
In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly a top aide to Donald Trump, was in the UK to deliver a speech at the Oxford Union.
The speech was disrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists delayed speech don't think I can catch the plane we r enroute to the airport".
Epstein replied: "That. Is a gulf air that leaves at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an amazing assistant".
These exchanges were released on Wednesday alongside more than 20,000 documents from the records of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.
The release by the Congressional committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is redacted. Media outlets managed to establish his involvement by matching the dates, occurrences, and locations mentioned.
For example, Epstein talks about arranging a jet from the UK for the unnamed individual in the chat, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and delivered the speech at the Oxford Union on November 16.
Bannon, who faces no allegations of any wrongdoing, did not reply on the inquiry.
Epstein's Assurance to Bannon
Bannon was one of 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 White House in 2017.
He has acknowledged he was producing a film about Epstein before his passing and reportedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his show earlier this year, he said: "We plan to release the film, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."
But the recently disclosed materials suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier at times seeming to act like a aide.
A short time prior to the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the highest-paid booking agent in the world ".
Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r pretty good asst", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Not Included".
Discussing a trip to "AD" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."
UK Politics Discussed in Messages
The released messages also show Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in 2018.
Earlier on the same day his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the Brexit thing this day with Nigel, Boris and Rees Mogg."
Then, in what appears to be a allusion to the UK prime minister, the embattled British leader at the time, he continued: "They are trying to move on. May today / tomorrow…"
Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view remaining as much as you can in the UK. Best-- so others get the dedication of your follow through."
Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa may survive". Bannon replied: "I don't see how BUT the people here have little courage" and added "Boris ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to take charge".
May was finally toppled in May 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of lack of support in late 2018.
A representative for Reform UK told media: "Farage has not been in a gathering with Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting took place.
The Congress will decide soon on whether the Department of Justice should make public all its files related to its investigation into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.
Attention in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was renewed this week after the publication of over 20,000 documents from his estate.
A portion of those referenced the former president, who has consistently rejected any wrongdoing. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for years, but claims they parted ways in the 2000s, two years before Epstein was initially charged.