Emails Reveal Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Ties
In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK preparing for a address at the Oxford Union.
The speech was interrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters delayed my talk I doubt I can make the flight we r enroute to the airport".
Epstein replied: "There. Is a gulf air departing at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an excellent assistant".
These exchanges were published on Wednesday together with over 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the deceased financier convicted of sex crimes.
The disclosure by the Congressional committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC has been able to confirm his involvement by matching the timeline, events, and locations referenced.
For example, Epstein discusses arranging a jet from the UK for the redacted user in the chat, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the speech at the Oxford Union two days later.
Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, declined to comment on the request for comment.
'I'll make sure you're well looked after'
Bannon served as the president's key aides in the lead-up to the presidential election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but resigned from the White House in August 2017.
He has admitted he was producing a documentary about Epstein prior to his passing and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his show earlier this year, he said: "We're going to publish the film, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - early next year."
But the recently disclosed documents suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile occasionally appearing to serve like a aide.
A few days prior to the conversation in which Epstein seemed to booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid travel agent in the world ".
Bannon thanked him: "You are quite capable assistant", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Excluded".
Discussing a trip to "AD" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you're taken care of."
British Affairs Mentioned in Exchanges
The released communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in that year.
Earlier on the same day his address at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the Brexit thing this day with Nigel, Johnson and Rees Mogg."
Then, in what appears to be a allusion to the UK prime minister, the embattled UK prime minister at the period, he added: "The guys are attempting to proceed. May today / tomorrow…"
Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view remaining as long as you can in the UK. Ideal- so others see the commitment of your follow-up."
Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa may remain in power". Bannon answered: "I don't see how however the guys over here have little courage" and added "Boris ; Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - someone has to take charge".
May was finally toppled in May 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of no confidence in late 2018.
A spokesman for the political party informed media: "Nigel Farage has never been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting occurred.
The Congress will decide next week on whether the justice department should make public all its files related to its probe into Epstein, who passed away in prison in 2019.
Attention in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was renewed this week after the release of more than 20,000 pages from his estate.
Some of those referenced Trump, who has repeatedly rejected any wrongdoing. The leader was a acquaintance of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they parted ways in the 2000s, a couple of years before Epstein was initially charged.