Messages Uncover Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Ties
In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly Donald Trump's chief strategist, visited the UK to deliver a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.
The event was disrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists slowed down my talk I doubt I can make the plane we are heading to the airport".
Epstein responded: "That. Is a gulf air departing at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an excellent assistant".
These messages were released on Wednesday together with more than 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.
The disclosure by the House oversight committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is redacted. Media outlets managed to confirm his involvement by cross-referencing the timeline, events, and places referenced.
For example, Epstein talks about chartering a plane from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the chat, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and delivered the speech at the Oxford Union on November 16.
Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, declined to comment on the request for comment.
'I'll make sure you're well looked after'
Bannon served as the president's key aides in the run 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 documentary about Epstein prior to his death and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his podcast earlier this year, he said: "We're going to release the film, the five-part series, in the coming year - early next year."
But the newly released materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier at times appearing to serve like a aide.
A short time prior to the exchange in which Epstein seemed to arranged a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the highest-paid travel agent in the world ".
Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are quite capable assistant", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. 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 published messages also show Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in that year.
Earlier on the day of his speech at the Oxford, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I became involved in the Brexit issue this morning with Nigel, Boris and Mogg."
Then, in what seems like a reference to Theresa May, the embattled British leader at the period, he continued: "The guys are trying to move on. May today / tomorrow…"
Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view staying as much as you can in the UK. Ideal- so others get the dedication of your follow through."
Soon after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa May survive". Bannon answered: "I don't see how however the people here have little courage" and noted "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - somebody has to step up".
Theresa May was finally toppled in 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of no confidence in December 2018.
A representative for Reform UK told the BBC: "Farage has not been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is no evidence that encounter occurred.
The Congress will decide next week on whether the Department of Justice should release all its records concerning its probe into Epstein, who passed away in prison in 2019.
Attention in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was renewed recently after the release of more than 20,000 documents from his estate.
A portion of those mentioned Trump, who has consistently denied any impropriety. The leader was a acquaintance of Epstein's for a long time, but says they fell out in the 2000s, a couple of years before Epstein was first arrested.