🔗 Share this article

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

The speech was interrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters slowed down my talk I doubt I can make the flight we are heading to the airport".

Epstein responded: "That. Is a Gulf Air departing at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an amazing helper".

These messages were released on this week alongside over 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.

The release by the House oversight committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's identity is redacted. Media outlets has been able to establish his identity by matching the timeline, occurrences, and places referenced.

For example, Epstein discusses arranging a plane from the UK for the unnamed individual in the messages, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the talk at the Oxford Union on November 16.

Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, did not reply on the request for comment.

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

Bannon was one of Trump's closest aides in the run up to the presidential election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but stepped down from the administration in August 2017.

He has admitted he was producing a film about Epstein prior to his death and reportedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a live taping of his podcast earlier this year, he said: "We're going to publish the series, the multi-part documentary, next year - at the start of next year."

But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's relationship with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a aide.

A few days before the exchange in which Epstein seemed to booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid travel agent in history ".

Bannon thanked him: "U r quite capable assistant", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Not Included".

Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in another message, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."

UK Politics Mentioned in Messages

The published communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in that year.

On the day of his address at the Oxford, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I became involved in the Brexit issue this morning with Nigel, Boris and Rees Mogg."

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

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think remaining as long as you can in the UK. Ideal- so others get the commitment of your follow through."

Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa May remain in power". Bannon replied: "I don't see how however the guys here have little courage" and added "Boris ; Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - somebody has to step up".

Theresa May was finally removed in 2019 after withstanding two votes of no confidence in late 2018.

A spokesman for Reform UK informed media: "Nigel Farage has never been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting took place.

The US House of Representatives will decide soon on whether the Department of Justice should make public all its records concerning its probe into Epstein, who passed away in jail in that year.

Attention in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was reignited this week after the release of more than 20,000 documents from his estate.

A portion of those mentioned Trump, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The leader was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but says they fell out in the early 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was initially charged.