Emails Highlight Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Connection

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of the former president's top strategists before resigning from the administration in 2017

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK to deliver a speech at the Oxford Union.

The event was disrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, who was due to travel that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters slowed down speech I doubt I can make the flight we are heading to the airport".

Epstein responded: "There. Is a gulf air departing at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an excellent assistant".

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 contains an text conversation where Bannon's identity is redacted. The BBC has been able to establish his identity by cross-referencing the timeline, occurrences, and places referenced.

For instance, Epstein discusses chartering a jet from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the messages, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and gave the speech at the Oxford on November 16.

Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, declined to comment on the request for comment.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon was one of Trump's key aides in the run up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but resigned from the White House in 2017.

He has admitted he was producing a documentary about Epstein before his death and allegedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show recently, he stated: "We're going to publish the film, the multi-part documentary, next year - at the start of next year."

But the newly released documents indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than documenting his life, 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 charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid booking agent in history ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are pretty good asst", to which Epstein replied "Therapies. Excluded".

Discussing a trip to "AD" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you're well looked after."

UK Politics Discussed in Messages

The published communications also show Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in 2018.

Earlier on the same day his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit thing this day with Farage, Johnson and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a reference to the UK prime minister, the embattled UK prime minister at the time, he added: "They are attempting to proceed. May today / tomorrow…"

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

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa May remain in power". Bannon answered: "I don't see how however the people here have no balls" and added "Boris ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - somebody has to take charge".

Theresa May was finally removed in 2019 after withstanding two votes of lack of support in late 2018.

A spokesman for the political party informed media: "Farage has never been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter occurred.

The US House of Representatives will decide next week on whether the justice department should make public all its files related to its investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in that year.

Attention in Epstein's associations with influential individuals was renewed recently after the release of over 20,000 pages from his archives.

Some of those referenced the former president, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they fell out in the early 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.

James Vaughn
James Vaughn

Elena Vance is a seasoned business strategist with over 15 years of experience in corporate consulting and digital transformation.