Correspondence Highlight the late financier and former Trump strategist Ties

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of Trump's top strategists before resigning from the White House in 2017

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK to deliver a speech at the Oxford Union.

The speech was interrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to travel that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Activists delayed speech don't think I can make the flight we r enroute to the airport".

Epstein responded: "There. Is a Gulf Air departing at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "U r an excellent assistant".

These exchanges were published on this week alongside more than 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the House oversight committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is redacted. The BBC has been able to establish his involvement by matching the dates, occurrences, and locations mentioned.

For instance, Epstein discusses chartering a jet from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the chat, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the speech at the Oxford on November 16.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, did not reply on the inquiry.

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

Bannon was one of Trump's closest advisers in the run up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but stepped down from the White House in 2017.

He has admitted he was making a documentary about Epstein prior to his death and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show earlier this year, he stated: "We're going to release the series, the five-part series, next year - early next year."

But the newly released materials suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile occasionally appearing to serve like a aide.

A few days prior to the exchange in which Epstein seemed to arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the most highly paid travel agent in history ".

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

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

British Affairs Discussed in Messages

The published communications also show Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in 2018.

Earlier on the day of his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit thing this day with Farage, Boris and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a allusion to Theresa May, the embattled UK prime minister at the period, he added: "They are attempting to proceed. May today / tomorrow…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think staying as much as you can in the UK. Ideal- so others see the commitment of your follow-up."

Soon after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa may remain in power". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely however the guys here have little courage" and noted "Boris ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to step up".

Theresa May was finally removed in May 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of lack of support in late 2018.

A representative for Reform UK told the BBC: "Farage has never been in a gathering with Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting took place.

The Congress will vote soon on whether the Department of Justice should make public all its files related to its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in prison in 2019.

Interest in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was reignited this week after the publication of more than 20,000 documents from his archives.

A portion of those mentioned Trump, who has consistently rejected any wrongdoing. 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 initially charged.

Holly Copeland
Holly Copeland

A passionate content strategist with over a decade of experience in diversity-focused writing and digital accessibility advocacy.