Messages Uncover the late financier and Steve Bannon Relationship

Steve Bannon
Bannon was one of Trump's top strategists prior to stepping down from the administration in 2017

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

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

Epstein replied: "That. Is a gulf air departing at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an amazing helper".

These messages were released on Wednesday alongside more than 20,000 documents from the records of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.

The disclosure by the House oversight committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's identity is withheld. The BBC has been able to confirm his involvement by matching the dates, events, and places referenced.

For instance, Epstein discusses chartering a plane from the UK for the unnamed individual in the messages, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and delivered the speech at the Oxford Union 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 lead-up to the presidential election and in the early days of his presidency, but resigned from the White House in 2017.

He has admitted he was making a documentary about Epstein prior to his death and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a live taping of his podcast earlier this year, he stated: "We plan to release the film, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - at the start of next year."

But the recently disclosed materials suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier occasionally appearing to serve like a personal assistant.

A few days prior to the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid travel agent in history ".

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

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

UK Politics Mentioned in Exchanges

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

On the same day his speech at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit thing this morning with Nigel, Johnson and Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a allusion to the UK prime minister, the embattled British leader at the time, he continued: "The guys are trying to move on. may soon…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view remaining as long as you can uk. Ideal- so people get the dedication of your follow through."

Soon after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa May survive". Bannon replied: "I don't see how however the people here have little courage" and noted "Boris ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - someone has to step up".

May was eventually removed in May 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of lack of support in December 2018.

A spokesman for the political party informed the BBC: "Nigel Farage has never been in a gathering with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting occurred.

The Congress will decide soon on whether the Department of Justice should release all its files concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.

Interest in Epstein's associations with influential individuals was renewed recently after the release of over 20,000 pages from his estate.

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

Sandra Gamble
Sandra Gamble

A passionate gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in slot machine mechanics and casino industry trends.