🔗 Share this article

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

The speech was interrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists slowed down speech don't think I can catch the plane we are heading to the airport".

Epstein replied: "That. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an excellent helper".

These exchanges were released on this week together with over 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.

The release 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 dates, occurrences, and places referenced.

For instance, Epstein discusses chartering a jet from Scotland for the redacted user in the messages, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and gave the talk at the Oxford Union on November 16.

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

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as the president's closest aides in the lead-up to the presidential election and in the early days of his presidency, but stepped down from the administration in August 2017.

He has acknowledged he was making a film about Epstein before his passing and allegedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a live taping of his show recently, he said: "We're going to release the series, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - early next year."

But the newly released documents suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a aide.

A few days prior to the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid travel agent in the world ".

Bannon thanked him: "You are quite capable assistant", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Excluded".

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

UK Politics Mentioned in Exchanges

The published communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in 2018.

Earlier on the day of his address at the Oxford, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit issue this day with Farage, Johnson and Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a reference to the UK prime minister, the embattled UK prime minister at the period, he continued: "The guys are attempting to proceed. may today / tomorrow…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view remaining as long as you can in the UK. Best-- so others see the commitment of your follow through."

Soon after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa May remain in power". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely BUT the people here have no balls" and noted "Johnson ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; David Davis - someone has to step up".

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

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

The Congress will decide soon on whether the Department of Justice should release all its records concerning its probe into Epstein, who passed away in jail in 2019.

Interest in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was reignited recently after the publication of over 20,000 documents from his estate.

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