Emails Uncover Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Relationship
In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly Donald Trump's chief strategist, was in the UK preparing for a speech at the Oxford Union.
The event was disrupted by hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists slowed down speech don't think I can make the flight we are heading to the airport".
Epstein replied: "There. Is a gulf air that leaves at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an excellent helper".
These messages were published on Wednesday alongside more than 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.
The release by the Congressional committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is withheld. Media outlets managed to establish his identity by matching the dates, occurrences, and places mentioned.
For instance, Epstein discusses chartering a plane from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the messages, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and delivered the speech at the Oxford Union two days later.
Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, did not reply on the request for comment.
Epstein's Assurance to Bannon
Bannon served as the president's closest 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 allegedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his podcast recently, he stated: "We plan to publish the series, the five-part series, in the coming year - at the start of next year."
But the recently disclosed materials suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier occasionally seeming to act like a personal assistant.
A few days prior to the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid travel agent in the world ".
Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r quite capable assistant", to which Epstein replied "Therapies. Excluded".
Discussing a visit to "AD" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you're well looked after."
British Affairs Mentioned in Exchanges
The released communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in 2018.
On the day of his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit issue this morning with Nigel, Boris and Rees Mogg."
Then, in what appears to be a reference to Theresa May, the embattled UK prime minister at the period, he added: "They are trying to proceed. May soon…"
Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think staying as much as you can uk. Ideal- so people see the dedication of your follow-up."
Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa may remain in power". Bannon replied: "I don't see how BUT the guys here have little courage" and noted "Boris ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - someone has to take charge".
May was eventually removed in 2019 after withstanding two votes of no confidence in December 2018.
A representative for Reform UK informed media: "Nigel Farage has never been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting occurred.
The Congress will vote next week on whether the justice department should make public all its files concerning its probe into Epstein, who passed away in jail in 2019.
Attention 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 consistently denied any wrongdoing. The leader was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but claims they parted ways in the early 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was initially charged.