Correspondence Uncover the late financier and Steve Bannon Connection

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of the former president's top advisers before resigning from the administration in 2017

In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly Donald Trump's chief strategist, visited the UK to deliver a address at the Oxford Union.

The speech was disrupted by hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters delayed speech I doubt I can catch the flight we are heading to heathrow".

Epstein responded: "That. Is a gulf air that leaves at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an excellent assistant".

These exchanges were released on this week together with more than 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's identity is withheld. The BBC managed to establish his identity by matching the dates, occurrences, and places mentioned.

For example, Epstein talks about arranging a jet from Scotland for the redacted user in the messages, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and delivered the speech at the Oxford Union on November 16.

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

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon was one of the president's closest aides in the run 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 acknowledged he was making a film about Epstein prior to his death and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show earlier this year, he said: "We're going to release the series, the five-part series, next year - at the start of next year."

But the recently disclosed documents suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier occasionally appearing to serve like a aide.

A few days prior to the exchange in which Epstein seemed to booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the highest-paid booking agent in the world ".

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

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you're well looked after."

UK Politics Mentioned in Exchanges

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

Earlier on the day of his address at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit thing this morning with Farage, Johnson and Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a allusion to the UK prime minister, the struggling UK prime minister at the time, he continued: "The guys are attempting to move on. May soon…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "In my view staying as much as you can in the UK. Ideal- so people see the commitment of your follow through."

Soon after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa may survive". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely however the people here have little courage" and added "Boris ; Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to take charge".

May was finally removed in May 2019 after surviving two votes of lack of support in December 2018.

A spokesman for Reform UK informed the BBC: "Farage has not been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting took place.

The US House of Representatives will decide soon on whether the justice department should make public all its records related to its probe into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.

Interest in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was renewed this week after the release of over 20,000 pages from his estate.

A portion of those mentioned the former president, who has consistently denied any impropriety. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but says they parted ways in the early 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.

Angela Wagner
Angela Wagner

A seasoned IT strategist with over 15 years of experience in digital transformation and cybersecurity, passionate about helping businesses leverage technology for competitive advantage.