Emails Reveal Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Ties
In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly a top aide to Donald Trump, was in the UK to deliver a speech at the Oxford Union.
The speech was disrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to travel that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters slowed down speech don't think I can catch the plane we are heading to the airport".
Epstein responded: "That. Is a gulf air departing at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an excellent helper".
These messages were released on Wednesday alongside over 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the deceased financier convicted of sex crimes.
The disclosure by the Congressional committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is withheld. The BBC managed to establish his identity by cross-referencing the dates, occurrences, and locations referenced.
For example, Epstein discusses arranging a jet from the UK for the redacted user in the chat, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and gave the talk at the Oxford Union two days later.
Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, did not reply on the inquiry.
Epstein's Assurance to Bannon
Bannon was one of 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 administration in August 2017.
He has admitted he was making a documentary about Epstein before his death and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show recently, he said: "We're going to release the film, the five-part series, in the coming year - early next year."
But the recently disclosed materials suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a aide.
A few days before the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the most highly paid booking agent in history ".
Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are pretty good asst", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".
Discussing a visit to "AD" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I'll make sure you are well looked after."
UK Politics Discussed in Exchanges
The released messages also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in that year.
Earlier on the same day his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit thing this morning with Nigel, Boris and Rees Mogg."
Then, in what appears to be a reference to Theresa May, the embattled British leader at the period, he continued: "The guys are attempting to proceed. May today / tomorrow…"
Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view staying as long as you can in the UK. Ideal- so others see the dedication of your follow through."
Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa May survive". Bannon replied: "I don't see how however the guys here have little courage" and added "Boris ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - somebody has to take charge".
May was eventually toppled in 2019 after surviving two votes of lack of support in December 2018.
A spokesman for the political party informed the BBC: "Nigel Farage has not been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence that encounter occurred.
The Congress will decide soon on whether the Department of Justice should make public all its records concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in jail in 2019.
Attention in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was renewed recently after the release of over 20,000 documents from his archives.
Some of those referenced Trump, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they fell out in the 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was initially charged.