🔗 Share this article

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

The event was disrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists delayed speech don't think I can catch the flight we are heading to the airport".

Epstein replied: "That. Is a Gulf Air departing at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "U r an amazing helper".

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

The disclosure by the Congressional committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is withheld. Media outlets has been able to confirm his involvement by cross-referencing the timeline, events, and places referenced.

For instance, Epstein talks about chartering a jet from the UK for the redacted user in the messages, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and gave the speech at the Oxford Union on November 16.

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

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

Bannon served as Trump's key aides in the run up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but stepped down from the administration in 2017.

He has admitted he was making a film about Epstein prior to his death and allegedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show earlier this year, he said: "We're going to publish the series, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's relationship with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile at times seeming to act like a personal assistant.

A few days prior to the conversation in which Epstein seemed to booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid booking agent in history ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r quite capable assistant", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Excluded".

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you're taken care of."

British Affairs Discussed in Exchanges

The released communications also show Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in that year.

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

Then, in what seems like a reference to Theresa May, the struggling British leader at the time, he added: "They are attempting to proceed. May soon…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think remaining as much as you can in the UK. Best-- so others see the dedication of your follow through."

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

May was finally removed in 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of no confidence in late 2018.

A representative for the political party informed media: "Farage has never been in a gathering with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting took place.

The US House of Representatives will vote 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 over 20,000 pages from his estate.

A portion of those mentioned the former president, who has repeatedly rejected any wrongdoing. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they fell out in the 2000s, a couple of years before Epstein was initially charged.