🔗 Share this article

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously a top aide to Donald Trump, was in the UK to deliver a address at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The event was disrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters delayed speech I doubt I can catch the plane we are heading to the airport".

Epstein responded: "There. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an excellent helper".

These messages were published on this week together with more than 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the House oversight committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's name is withheld. Media outlets managed to establish his identity by cross-referencing the timeline, occurrences, and locations mentioned.

For example, Epstein discusses chartering a jet from Scotland for the redacted user in the messages, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and gave 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 the president's closest advisers in the run up to the presidential election and in the early days of his presidency, but resigned from the administration in 2017.

He has acknowledged he was making a documentary about Epstein before his death and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his podcast recently, he stated: "We plan to publish the series, the five-part series, next year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed documents suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the disgraced financier at times appearing to serve like a aide.

A few days prior to the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the highest-paid booking agent in history ".

Bannon thanked him: "You are pretty good assistant", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Not Included".

Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."

British Affairs Mentioned in Messages

The released communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in 2018.

Earlier on the same day his speech at the Oxford, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit thing this day with Farage, Boris and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a allusion to the UK prime minister, the embattled UK prime minister at the time, he added: "The guys are trying to proceed. may today / tomorrow…"

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

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa May remain in power". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely however the guys here have little courage" and added "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to step up".

May was finally removed in May 2019 after surviving two votes of lack of support in late 2018.

A representative for Reform UK informed media: "Farage has never been in a meeting with Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting took place.

The Congress will vote next week on whether the justice department should make public all its files concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.

Interest in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was reignited recently after the publication of over 20,000 documents from his estate.

A portion 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 2000s, a couple of years before Epstein was initially charged.