Emails Uncover Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Connection
In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously a top aide to Donald Trump, was in the UK preparing for a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.
The speech was disrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Activists delayed speech don't think I can catch the plane we are heading to the airport".
Epstein replied: "That. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "U r an amazing assistant".
These exchanges were released on Wednesday together with more than 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.
The disclosure by the House oversight committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC managed to confirm his involvement by matching the timeline, events, and locations referenced.
For example, Epstein discusses arranging a jet from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the messages, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon participated in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and delivered the talk at the Oxford Union two days later.
Bannon, who faces no allegations of any wrongdoing, did not reply on the request for comment.
Epstein's Assurance to Bannon
Bannon served as Trump's closest aides in the lead-up to the 2016 election and in the early days of his presidency, but resigned from the administration in 2017.
He has admitted he was producing a film about Epstein before his passing and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his podcast recently, he stated: "We plan to release the series, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."
But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile occasionally appearing to serve like a personal assistant.
A few days before the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the highest-paid booking agent in the world ".
Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are quite capable asst", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Not Included".
Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."
British Affairs Discussed in Exchanges
The released communications also show Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in that year.
On the day of his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit issue this day with Nigel, Johnson and Rees Mogg."
Then, in what seems like a allusion to Theresa May, the struggling UK prime minister at the period, he continued: "The guys are attempting to proceed. may today / tomorrow…"
Epstein advised Bannon: "I think remaining as much as you can in the UK. Ideal- so people see the commitment of your follow-up."
Soon after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa May remain in power". Bannon replied: "I don't see how however the people here have no balls" and noted "Boris ; Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - someone has to step up".
May was eventually removed in May 2019 after withstanding two votes of lack of support in late 2018.
A representative for the political party told the BBC: "Farage has not been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter occurred.
The Congress will vote next week on whether the justice department should release all its files related to its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in prison in that year.
Attention in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was reignited this week after the publication of over 20,000 documents from his archives.
Some of those mentioned the former president, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The leader was a acquaintance of Epstein's for a long time, but says they parted ways in the 2000s, two years before Epstein was first arrested.