Messages Uncover the late financier and former Trump strategist Relationship

Steve Bannon
Bannon served as Trump's top advisers before resigning from the White House in 2017

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

The event was interrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters delayed speech don't think I can make the flight we are heading to heathrow".

Epstein replied: "That. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an amazing helper".

These messages were published on Wednesday together with over 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.

The release by the Congressional committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is withheld. The BBC has been able to establish his identity by matching the dates, occurrences, and locations referenced.

For instance, Epstein discusses chartering a plane from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the messages, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the talk at the Oxford Union two days later.

Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, did not reply on the inquiry.

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

Bannon was one of the president's closest advisers in the lead-up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but stepped down from the White House in 2017.

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

But the newly released documents suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier occasionally appearing to serve like a personal assistant.

A short time prior to the conversation in which Epstein seemed to arranged a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the most highly paid travel agent in the world ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are pretty good asst", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".

Discussing a trip to "AD" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you're taken care of."

British Affairs Discussed in Exchanges

The released messages also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in that year.

Earlier on the same day his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit thing this day with Nigel, Boris and Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a reference to the UK prime minister, the struggling British leader at the period, he continued: "The guys are trying to proceed. may today / tomorrow…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think staying as long as you can uk. Best-- so others see the dedication of your follow-up."

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

Theresa May was eventually removed in May 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of lack of support in late 2018.

A representative for Reform UK told media: "Farage has not been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting occurred.

The US House of Representatives will decide next week on whether the Department of Justice should release all its files concerning its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in prison in that year.

Attention in Epstein's associations with influential individuals was renewed recently after the publication of over 20,000 documents from his estate.

A portion of those referenced the former president, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The president was a friend of Epstein's for years, but says they parted ways in the early 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was initially charged.

Sherry Long
Sherry Long

Urban planner and sustainability advocate with over 15 years of experience in global city development projects.