🔗 Share this article

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, was in the UK preparing for a address at the Oxford Union.

The event was disrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to travel that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Activists slowed down my talk don't think I can make the plane we are heading to the airport".

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 messages were released on this week together with more than 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.

The release by the Congressional committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's name is withheld. Media outlets has been able to confirm his involvement by matching the dates, events, and places referenced.

For instance, Epstein discusses arranging a plane from the UK for the unnamed individual in the chat, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and delivered the talk at the Oxford on November 16.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, declined to comment on the inquiry.

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

Bannon was one of the president's closest aides in the lead-up to the presidential election and in the early days of his presidency, but resigned from the White House in August 2017.

He has acknowledged he was making a documentary about Epstein prior to his death and reportedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his show earlier this year, he stated: "We're going to publish the film, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile at times seeming to act like a personal assistant.

A few days prior to 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 booking agent in the world ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r pretty good assistant", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Excluded".

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."

British Affairs Mentioned in Exchanges

The published messages also show Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in 2018.

On the day of his speech at the Oxford, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I became involved in the Brexit thing this morning with Nigel, Boris and Mogg."

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

Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think staying as much as you can in the UK. Ideal- so people get the dedication of your follow-up."

Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa may remain in power". Bannon replied: "I don't see how BUT the guys over here have little courage" and noted "Johnson ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - somebody has to take charge".

May was eventually toppled in 2019 after surviving two votes of lack of support in December 2018.

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

The Congress will decide soon on whether the justice department should make public all its records concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in that year.

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

A portion of those mentioned the former president, who has repeatedly rejected any impropriety. The president was a friend of Epstein's for years, but claims they fell out in the 2000s, two years before Epstein was initially charged.