Messages Highlight Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Ties
In November 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly Donald Trump's chief strategist, visited the UK preparing for a address at the prestigious Oxford Union.
The event was interrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters delayed speech I doubt 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: "You are an amazing assistant".
These messages were published on Wednesday together with more than 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.
The release by the Congressional committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's identity is redacted. Media outlets has been able to confirm his involvement by matching the dates, events, and locations referenced.
For instance, Epstein discusses arranging a plane from the UK for the unnamed individual in the chat, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the talk at the Oxford two days later.
Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, declined to comment on the request for comment.
Epstein's Assurance to Bannon
Bannon served as the president's key aides in the lead-up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but resigned from the administration in August 2017.
He has acknowledged he was making a film about Epstein prior to his death and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a live taping of his podcast recently, he stated: "We're going to release the film, the five-part series, in the coming year - at the start of next year."
But the newly released documents indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier at times appearing to serve like a aide.
A few days prior to the exchange in which Epstein seemed to booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the highest-paid booking agent in the world ".
Bannon thanked him: "U r quite capable assistant", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Excluded".
Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I'll make sure you are well looked after."
British Affairs Discussed in Messages
The published messages also show Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in 2018.
Earlier on the same day his address at the Oxford, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit issue this day with Nigel, Johnson and Mogg."
Then, in what appears to be a allusion to the UK prime minister, the struggling British leader at the period, he added: "The guys are attempting to move on. may soon…"
Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view remaining as much as you can uk. Best-- so people see the commitment of your follow-up."
Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa may remain in power". Bannon replied: "I don't see how however the people over here have no balls" and noted "Boris ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - somebody has to step up".
May was eventually removed in May 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of lack of support in late 2018.
A representative for the political party told the BBC: "Nigel Farage has never been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence that encounter occurred.
The Congress will vote next week on whether the Department of Justice should release all its files related to its probe into Epstein, who died in prison in that year.
Interest in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was renewed this week after the publication of over 20,000 pages from his archives.
A portion of those mentioned Trump, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for a long time, but says they fell out in the 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was first arrested.