Messages Highlight Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Connection

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of Trump's key strategists before resigning from the administration in August 2017

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly a top aide to Donald Trump, was in the UK preparing for a address at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The speech was disrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists slowed down my talk don't think I can make the plane we are heading to the airport".

Epstein replied: "There. Is a gulf air departing at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an amazing helper".

These messages were released on Wednesday alongside more than 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's name is withheld. Media outlets managed to confirm his involvement by cross-referencing the timeline, events, and places referenced.

For example, Epstein talks about arranging a jet from the UK for the redacted user in the chat, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and delivered the speech at the Oxford Union two days later.

Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, did not reply on the request for comment.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as Trump's key aides in the lead-up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but resigned from the administration in 2017.

He has acknowledged he was producing a documentary about Epstein prior to his passing and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his show recently, he said: "We're going to release the film, the five-part series, in the coming year - at the start of next year."

But the newly released materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier at times appearing to serve like a personal assistant.

A short time before the conversation in which Epstein seemed to booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the most highly paid travel agent in history ".

Bannon thanked him: "U r quite capable asst", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Not Included".

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in another message, Epstein told Bannon: "I'll make sure you're well looked after."

British Affairs Discussed in Messages

The released communications also show Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in that year.

On the day of his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit thing this morning with Farage, Johnson and Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a reference to Theresa May, the embattled British leader at the period, he continued: "They are trying to move on. May today / tomorrow…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think staying as much as you can in the UK. Best-- so others see the commitment of your follow through."

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa may survive". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely BUT the guys over here have little courage" and added "Johnson ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - someone has to step up".

Theresa May was eventually removed in May 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of lack of support in December 2018.

A representative for Reform UK told media: "Farage has never been in a gathering with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter took place.

The US House of Representatives will vote next week on whether the justice department should make public all its records concerning its probe into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.

Attention in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was reignited recently after the publication of more than 20,000 pages from his archives.

A portion of those referenced Trump, who has consistently rejected any wrongdoing. The president was a friend of Epstein's for years, but says they parted ways in the 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was initially charged.

Sean Jones
Sean Jones

Eleanor Vance is a seasoned journalist specializing in UK political reporting and international affairs, with over a decade of experience in media.