Emails Highlight the late financier and former Trump strategist Ties

Steve Bannon
Bannon served as the former president's top advisers prior to resigning from the administration in 2017

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly Donald Trump's chief strategist, was in the UK preparing for a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The speech was disrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters slowed down my talk I doubt I can make the plane we are heading to the airport".

Epstein replied: "That. Is a Gulf Air departing at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an amazing helper".

These messages were published on Wednesday together with more than 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.

The release by the House oversight committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's identity is redacted. The BBC has been able to establish his involvement by cross-referencing the dates, events, and locations mentioned.

For instance, Epstein discusses chartering a plane from Scotland for the redacted user in the chat, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and delivered the speech at the Oxford two days later.

Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, did not reply on the inquiry.

'I'll make sure you're well looked after'

Bannon served as the president's closest aides in the run up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but resigned from the administration in 2017.

He has admitted he was producing a film about Epstein prior to his passing and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his podcast earlier this year, he stated: "We plan to release the series, the five-part series, next year - at the start of next year."

But the newly released documents suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier at times appearing to serve like a personal assistant.

A short time before the conversation in which Epstein seemed to arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid booking agent in history ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are quite capable asst", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Excluded".

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in another message, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."

British Affairs Discussed in Exchanges

The released communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in that year.

Earlier on the day of his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit issue this day with Farage, Johnson and Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a reference to the UK prime minister, the struggling British leader at the time, he continued: "They are attempting to move on. May today / tomorrow…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think staying as much as you can uk. Ideal- so people get the commitment of your follow through."

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa May remain in power". Bannon replied: "I don't see how however the guys over here have little courage" and noted "Boris ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - someone has to take charge".

May was eventually toppled in May 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of lack of support in late 2018.

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

The US House of Representatives will decide 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.

Attention in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was renewed this week after the release of more than 20,000 documents from his estate.

A portion of those referenced Trump, who has consistently rejected any impropriety. The president was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they fell out in the early 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was initially charged.

Rebecca Gaines
Rebecca Gaines

A seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting strategies and financial risk management.