Correspondence Uncover the late financier and Steve Bannon Ties

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of Trump's closest advisers prior to resigning from the White House in August 2017

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

The event was interrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Activists delayed speech don't think I can make the flight we are heading to the airport".

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

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

The release by the House oversight committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is withheld. The BBC has been able to confirm his identity by cross-referencing the timeline, events, and locations mentioned.

For instance, 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 Edinburgh conference on November 14, and gave the speech at the Oxford Union two days later.

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

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as Trump's key advisers in the run up to the presidential election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but resigned from the White House in August 2017.

He has admitted he was producing a documentary about Epstein prior to his passing and reportedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a live taping of his podcast earlier this year, he stated: "We're going to publish 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 documenting his life, with the disgraced financier occasionally seeming to act like a aide.

A short time prior to the exchange in which Epstein seemed to booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid booking agent in the world ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r quite capable asst", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Excluded".

Discussing a trip to "AD" in another message, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you are taken care of."

British Affairs Mentioned in Exchanges

The published communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in that year.

On the day of his speech at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit thing this day with Nigel, Johnson and Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a allusion to Theresa May, the embattled British leader at the time, he continued: "The guys are attempting to proceed. may today / tomorrow…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think staying as long as you can uk. Best-- so people get the commitment of your follow-up."

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa may survive". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely BUT the guys over here have little courage" and noted "Boris ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - somebody has to step up".

May was finally removed in 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of no confidence in December 2018.

A representative for the political party informed the BBC: "Nigel Farage has not been in a meeting with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter took place.

The US House of Representatives will decide soon on whether the justice department should release all its files concerning its probe into Epstein, who passed away in jail in 2019.

Interest in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was renewed this week after the release of over 20,000 pages from his estate.

A portion of those mentioned Trump, who has consistently rejected any wrongdoing. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for years, but claims they fell out in the early 2000s, a couple of years before Epstein was initially charged.

Cynthia Boone
Cynthia Boone

A seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience covering global affairs and digital trends, passionate about storytelling and data-driven reporting.