Correspondence Reveal Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Ties
In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK to deliver a address at the Oxford Union.
The event was disrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, who was due to travel that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters slowed down speech I doubt I can make the plane we are heading to heathrow".
Epstein replied: "There. Is a gulf air that leaves at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "U r an amazing assistant".
These messages were released on Wednesday together with over 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the deceased financier convicted of sex crimes.
The disclosure by the House oversight committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC managed to confirm his identity by cross-referencing the dates, events, and places mentioned.
For example, Epstein talks about arranging a plane from Scotland for the redacted user in the messages, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and delivered the speech at the Oxford on November 16.
Bannon, who faces no allegations of any wrongdoing, declined to comment on the inquiry.
'I'll make sure you're well looked after'
Bannon served as Trump's closest aides in the lead-up to the presidential election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but stepped down from the White House in August 2017.
He has admitted he was making a documentary about Epstein prior to his passing and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show recently, he stated: "We plan to publish the series, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - at the start of next year."
But the newly released materials suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier occasionally appearing to serve like a personal assistant.
A few days before the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the most highly paid booking agent in history ".
Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r pretty good assistant", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".
Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein told 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.
Earlier on the same day his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit issue this day with Farage, Boris and Mogg."
Then, in what appears to be a reference to the UK prime minister, the struggling British leader at the time, he added: "They are attempting to proceed. May today / tomorrow…"
Epstein advised Bannon: "I think staying as much as you can in the UK. Ideal- so others see the dedication of your follow-up."
Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa May survive". Bannon answered: "I don't see how BUT the guys over here have little courage" and noted "Johnson ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to take charge".
Theresa May was finally toppled in May 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of lack of support in late 2018.
A spokesman for the political party told the BBC: "Farage has never been in a meeting with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter took place.
The Congress will decide soon on whether the justice department should release all its files related to its investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.
Interest in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was reignited this week after the publication of more than 20,000 pages from his estate.
A portion of those mentioned the former president, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for years, but says they fell out in the 2000s, two years before Epstein was initially charged.