Emails Uncover the late financier and former Trump strategist Relationship
In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK preparing for a address at the Oxford Union.
The event was interrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Activists delayed speech I doubt I can make the flight we r enroute to heathrow".
Epstein responded: "That. Is a gulf air departing at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "U r an amazing helper".
These messages were published on Wednesday alongside more than 20,000 documents from the records of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.
The release by the Congressional committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. Media outlets has been able to establish his involvement by cross-referencing the timeline, occurrences, and places mentioned.
For instance, Epstein discusses arranging a jet from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the chat, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and delivered the speech at the Oxford two days later.
Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, declined to comment on the inquiry.
Epstein's Assurance to Bannon
Bannon was one of Trump's closest advisers in the run up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but resigned from the administration in 2017.
He has admitted he was making a film about Epstein before his passing and allegedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his podcast earlier this year, he said: "We plan to release the film, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."
But the newly released documents indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier at times seeming to act like a aide.
A few days prior to the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the most highly paid booking agent in history ".
Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r quite capable asst", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".
Discussing a visit to "AD" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you're taken care of."
British Affairs Discussed in Messages
The released communications also show Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in that year.
On the day of his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit issue this morning with Nigel, Johnson and Mogg."
Then, in what appears to be a reference to the UK prime minister, the struggling British leader at the time, he added: "The guys are attempting to proceed. May today / tomorrow…"
Epstein suggested Bannon: "In my view remaining as long as you can uk. Ideal- so people get the dedication of your follow-up."
Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa May remain in power". Bannon answered: "I don't see how BUT the guys here have no balls" and noted "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to take charge".
May was eventually removed in May 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of no confidence in late 2018.
A representative for the political party informed the BBC: "Nigel Farage has not been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter took place.
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 died in jail in that year.
Interest in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was renewed this week after the release of over 20,000 documents from his estate.
Some of those referenced the former president, who has repeatedly rejected any impropriety. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but says they parted ways in the 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was initially charged.