Correspondence Highlight the late financier and former Trump strategist Connection
In November 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK preparing for a speech at the Oxford Union.
The event was interrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to travel that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters slowed down speech I doubt I can catch the plane we r enroute to heathrow".
Epstein replied: "That. Is a Gulf Air departing at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an amazing helper".
These messages were released on Wednesday alongside more than 20,000 documents from the records of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.
The disclosure by the Congressional committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's identity is withheld. Media outlets managed to confirm his involvement by cross-referencing the timeline, events, and locations mentioned.
For example, Epstein discusses chartering a plane from the UK for the unnamed individual in the chat, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and delivered the talk at the Oxford on November 16.
Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, did not reply on the inquiry.
Epstein's Assurance to Bannon
Bannon was one of Trump's key advisers in the lead-up to the presidential election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but stepped down from the White House in 2017.
He has admitted he was producing a film about Epstein prior to his death and reportedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show earlier this year, he said: "We're going to release the film, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - early next year."
But the recently disclosed documents suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a aide.
A few days prior to the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the most highly paid travel agent in the world ".
Bannon thanked him: "You are pretty good asst", to which Epstein replied "Therapies. Excluded".
Discussing a trip to "AD" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."
UK Politics Discussed in Messages
The published communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in that year.
Earlier on the same day his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the Brexit issue this day with Farage, Johnson and Mogg."
Then, in what seems like a reference to the UK prime minister, the embattled UK prime minister at the period, he continued: "The guys are trying to proceed. May soon…"
Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think staying as much as you can in the UK. Ideal- so others get the dedication of your follow through."
Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa may survive". Bannon answered: "I don't see how however the people here have little courage" and added "Boris ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - someone has to step up".
Theresa May was finally removed in May 2019 after withstanding two votes of no confidence in late 2018.
A spokesman for Reform UK informed media: "Farage has not been in a gathering with Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting took place.
The US House of Representatives will decide soon on whether the justice department should release all its files concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.
Interest in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was reignited recently after the release of more than 20,000 pages from his estate.
A portion of those referenced Trump, who has consistently denied any impropriety. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for years, but says they parted ways in the early 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.