🔗 Share this article

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, visited the UK preparing for a speech at the Oxford Union.

The event was interrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to travel that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters delayed speech I doubt I can make the plane we are heading to the airport".

Epstein replied: "That. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an excellent assistant".

These exchanges were released on this week alongside over 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is withheld. Media outlets managed to establish his identity by cross-referencing the timeline, occurrences, and locations mentioned.

For example, Epstein talks about arranging a plane from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the messages, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and gave the talk at the Oxford Union on November 16.

Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, declined to comment on the inquiry.

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

Bannon served as Trump's key aides in the run up to the presidential election and in the early days of his presidency, but stepped down from the White House in 2017.

He has acknowledged he was making a film about Epstein before his passing and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his podcast recently, he said: "We plan to release the series, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed materials suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier occasionally appearing to serve like a personal assistant.

A short time before the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid travel agent in history ".

Bannon thanked him: "You are quite capable asst", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".

Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."

British Affairs Discussed in Exchanges

The published communications also show Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in 2018.

Earlier on the same day his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I became involved in the Brexit issue this morning with Nigel, Johnson and Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a reference to Theresa May, the embattled UK prime minister at the time, he added: "The guys are attempting to proceed. may soon…"

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

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa May remain in power". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely however the people here have no balls" and added "Boris ; Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - somebody has to take charge".

May was eventually toppled in 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of no confidence in late 2018.

A spokesman for the political party informed media: "Farage has never been in a gathering with Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence that encounter took place.

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.

Interest in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was renewed recently after the publication of over 20,000 documents from his archives.

A portion of those referenced the former president, who has consistently rejected any impropriety. The leader was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but claims they fell out in the early 2000s, a couple of years before Epstein was initially charged.