Correspondence Reveal Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Relationship
In late 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, visited the UK to deliver a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.
The event was interrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters slowed down my talk I doubt I can make the flight we r enroute to the airport".
Epstein responded: "There. Is a gulf air that leaves at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an excellent assistant".
These exchanges were released on Wednesday together with over 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.
The disclosure by the House oversight committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC managed to confirm his involvement by cross-referencing the dates, occurrences, and locations mentioned.
For example, Epstein discusses chartering a plane from the UK for the unnamed individual in the chat, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the speech at the Oxford Union on November 16.
Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, declined to comment on the inquiry.
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 stepped down from the White House in 2017.
He has acknowledged he was producing a documentary about Epstein prior to his passing and reportedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a live taping of his show recently, he stated: "We're going to publish the film, the five-part series, next year - early next year."
But the newly released materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a aide.
A few days before the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the most highly paid booking agent in the world ".
Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are pretty good asst", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".
Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in another message, Epstein told Bannon: "I'll make sure you're taken care of."
British Affairs Mentioned in Messages
The published messages also show Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in that year.
On the same day his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit issue this day with Nigel, Boris and Mogg."
Then, in what seems like a reference to Theresa May, the embattled UK prime minister at the time, he continued: "The guys are attempting to move on. May soon…"
Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think staying as much as you can uk. Best-- so people see the commitment of your follow through."
Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa may survive". Bannon replied: "I don't see how BUT the people here have no balls" and added "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - someone has to step up".
May was finally removed in May 2019 after surviving 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, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting took place.
The Congress will vote next week on whether the Department of Justice should make public all its files related to its probe into Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.
Interest in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was renewed this week after the release of over 20,000 pages from his archives.
A portion of those mentioned the former president, who has repeatedly denied any impropriety. The leader was a acquaintance of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they fell out in the early 2000s, a couple of years before Epstein was initially charged.