Correspondence Highlight Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Ties
In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly Donald Trump's chief strategist, visited the UK preparing for a speech at the Oxford Union.
The event was interrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters 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: "You are an amazing helper".
These exchanges were published on Wednesday together with over 20,000 documents from the records of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.
The disclosure by the Congressional 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, occurrences, and places mentioned.
For example, Epstein talks about arranging a jet from Scotland for the redacted user in the chat, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the talk at the Oxford Union on November 16.
Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, did not reply on the inquiry.
Epstein's Assurance to Bannon
Bannon served as the president's closest advisers in the lead-up to the presidential election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but resigned from the administration in 2017.
He has acknowledged he was producing a documentary about Epstein before his death and reportedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a live taping of his podcast earlier this year, he stated: "We plan to publish the film, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."
But the newly released materials suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile at times seeming to act like a aide.
A short time prior to the exchange in which Epstein seemed to arranged a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid booking agent in the world ".
Bannon thanked him: "You are pretty good assistant", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Excluded".
Discussing a visit to "AD" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you're well looked after."
UK Politics Mentioned in Messages
The released messages also show Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in 2018.
On the same day his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit issue this day with Nigel, Boris and Mogg."
Then, in what seems like a allusion to Theresa May, the struggling British leader at the period, he continued: "The guys are attempting to move on. may today / tomorrow…"
Epstein suggested Bannon: "In my view staying as long as you can in the UK. Best-- so others see the dedication of your follow through."
Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa May survive". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely BUT the guys here have little courage" and added "Boris ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - someone has to take charge".
Theresa May was finally removed in May 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of no confidence in December 2018.
A spokesman for Reform UK informed media: "Farage has never been in a meeting with Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting took place.
The US House of Representatives will vote soon on whether the justice department should release all its files concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.
Interest in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was reignited this week after the publication of more than 20,000 documents from his estate.
A portion of those referenced the former president, who has repeatedly rejected any impropriety. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they fell out in the early 2000s, two years before Epstein was first arrested.