Emails Reveal Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Ties

In late 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, 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 evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists delayed my talk don't think I can catch the flight we r enroute to the airport".

Epstein replied: "That. Is a gulf air that leaves at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an excellent assistant".

These messages were published on Wednesday alongside over 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 name is withheld. The BBC has been able to confirm his identity by matching the timeline, events, and locations mentioned.

For instance, Epstein discusses chartering a plane from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the chat, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon participated in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and delivered the talk at the Oxford two days later.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any wrongdoing, declined to comment on the inquiry.

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

Bannon served as the president's closest advisers in the lead-up to the 2016 election and in the early days of his first administration, but stepped down from the White House in 2017.

He has acknowledged he was making a film about Epstein before his death and reportedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his podcast recently, he stated: "We're going to publish the film, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - at the start of next year."

But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile occasionally appearing to serve like a aide.

A short time prior to the conversation in which Epstein seemed to booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the most highly paid travel agent in history ".

Bannon thanked him: "You are quite capable asst", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".

Discussing a visit to "AD" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you are well looked after."

British Affairs Discussed in Exchanges

The released communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in that year.

On the day of his speech at the Oxford, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit thing this morning with Farage, Boris and Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a reference to Theresa May, the embattled UK prime minister at the time, he added: "They are trying to proceed. May today / tomorrow…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think staying as long as you can in the UK. Ideal- so people get the dedication of your follow through."

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa May remain in power". Bannon replied: "I don't see how BUT the people here have little courage" and noted "Johnson ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - somebody has to take charge".

Theresa May was eventually toppled in May 2019 after withstanding two votes of lack of support in December 2018.

A spokesman for the political party told the BBC: "Nigel Farage has never been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting took place.

The Congress will decide soon on whether the Department of Justice should release all its records concerning its probe into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.

Interest in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was reignited this week after the publication of over 20,000 pages from his estate.

A portion of those mentioned Trump, 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.