🔗 Share this article

In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK to deliver a address at the Oxford Union.

The speech was interrupted by hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, who was due to travel that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists slowed down speech I doubt I can make the flight we r enroute to the airport".

Epstein responded: "There. Is a gulf air departing at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "U r an amazing assistant".

These messages were published on Wednesday alongside over 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The release by the House oversight committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's identity is redacted. The BBC managed to confirm his involvement by cross-referencing the timeline, occurrences, and locations referenced.

For example, Epstein discusses chartering a plane from Scotland for the redacted user in the messages, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and delivered the talk at the Oxford on November 16.

Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, declined to comment on the request for comment.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as the president's closest advisers in the lead-up to the presidential election and in the early days of his presidency, but stepped down from the White House in August 2017.

He has admitted he was making a film about Epstein before his death and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his podcast recently, he stated: "We're going to release the series, the five-part series, next year - early next year."

But the newly released materials suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a aide.

A short time prior to the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid travel agent in history ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are quite capable assistant", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".

Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you are well looked after."

British Affairs Discussed in Messages

The published messages also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in that year.

Earlier on the day of his speech at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit issue this day with Nigel, Boris and Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a reference to the UK prime minister, the embattled UK prime minister at the time, he continued: "The guys are attempting to move on. may today / tomorrow…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "In my view staying as long as you can uk. Best-- so people see the dedication of your follow through."

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa may survive". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely BUT the guys here have little courage" and noted "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - someone has to take charge".

Theresa May was eventually removed in May 2019 after withstanding two votes of lack of support in late 2018.

A spokesman for Reform UK informed media: "Nigel Farage has not been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting occurred.

The US House of Representatives will decide next week on whether the justice department should release all its files concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.

Interest in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was renewed this week after the publication of more than 20,000 documents from his estate.

A portion of those mentioned the former president, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for years, but claims they fell out in the early 2000s, two years before Epstein was first arrested.