Documents Detail Interactions Between Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon
Recently released documents from the estate of Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, include email and message exchanges with Steve Bannon, formerly Donald Trump's chief strategist. The release, comprising over 20,000 pages, was published by the House Oversight Committee in Congress.
Travel and Logistical Assistance
Correspondence from November 2018 indicates Epstein providing logistical support to Bannon during a trip to the United Kingdom. While preparing for a speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "Protesters slowed down speech don't think I can make the flight we r enroute to heathrow". Epstein responded, suggesting an alternative flight: "There. Is a gulf air that leaves at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an amazing assistant".
The BBC identified Bannon as the redacted user in an iMessage chat within the documents by matching dates and events, including a discussion about chartering a plane from Scotland and praise for an "Oxford speech." Bannon had participated in the News Xchange conference in Edinburgh on November 14 and delivered the Oxford Union speech two days later.
Further exchanges suggest Epstein described himself as "the most highly paid travel agent in history" to Bannon, who responded, "U r pretty good asst". Epstein then added, "Massages. Not Included". For a proposed trip to "AD," presumed to be Abu Dhabi, Epstein stated, "I'll make sure you're well looked after."
Discussions on UK Politics
The released messages also include discussions between Bannon and Epstein regarding UK politics in 2018. On the day of his Oxford Union speech, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit thing this morning with Nigel, Boris and Rees Mogg." He continued, in what appears to refer to then-Prime Minister Theresa May: "The guys are trying to move on. may today / tomorrow…"
Epstein advised Bannon: "I think staying as long as you can uk . Best- so people get the commitment of your follow through." Epstein later inquired, "Will Theresa may survive," to which Bannon responded, "I don't see how BUT the guys over here have no balls" and mentioned "Boris ; Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to step up". Theresa May resigned in May 2019. A spokesperson for Reform UK stated that Nigel Farage was not present in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg, and Boris Johnson, and no evidence supports such a meeting.
Background and Broader Context
Steve Bannon served as a close adviser to Donald Trump through the 2016 election and early administration before resigning in August 2017. He has stated he was making a film about Epstein prior to Epstein's death and reportedly possesses approximately 15 hours of footage for a planned five-part series. Bannon has not been accused of any wrongdoing and did not respond to the BBC's request for comment regarding the documents.
The US House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on whether the Justice Department should release all files related to its investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in 2019. The release of these documents has renewed public interest in Epstein's associations with various public figures.