Emails Reveal Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Connection
In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK to deliver a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.
The speech was interrupted by hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists delayed my talk don't think I can catch the flight we are heading to heathrow".
Epstein responded: "There. Is a gulf air departing at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an excellent helper".
These exchanges were released on this week alongside over 20,000 documents from the records of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.
The disclosure by the House oversight committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. Media outlets has been able to establish his involvement by cross-referencing the timeline, events, and places mentioned.
For instance, Epstein talks about arranging a plane from the UK for the redacted user in the messages, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and delivered the speech at the Oxford two days later.
Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, declined to comment on the inquiry.
Epstein's Assurance to Bannon
Bannon served as the president's key aides in the run up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but resigned from the administration in 2017.
He has acknowledged he was making a film about Epstein prior to his death and reportedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show recently, he stated: "We're going to publish the series, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - early next year."
But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier occasionally seeming to act like a personal assistant.
A few days prior to the exchange in which Epstein seemed to booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid booking agent in the world ".
Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are pretty good asst", to which Epstein replied "Therapies. Not Included".
Discussing a trip to "AD" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you're well looked after."
British Affairs Discussed in Messages
The released communications also show Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in 2018.
Earlier on the same day his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit thing this day with Farage, Boris and Rees Mogg."
Then, in what seems like a reference to Theresa May, the struggling British leader at the time, he continued: "The guys are attempting to proceed. may today / tomorrow…"
Epstein advised Bannon: "I think remaining as long as you can in the UK. Ideal- so others see the commitment of your follow through."
Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa May remain in power". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely BUT the guys over here have little courage" and noted "Johnson ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - somebody has to take charge".
Theresa May was eventually 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 meeting with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting occurred.
The Congress will vote next week on whether the Department of Justice should release all its records concerning its investigation into Epstein, who passed away 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 estate.
Some of those referenced the former president, who has consistently denied any impropriety. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they fell out in the 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was first arrested.