Messages Highlight the late financier and Steve Bannon Connection
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 protesters, and Bannon, who was due to travel that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Activists delayed speech don't think I can catch the plane we are heading to the airport".
Epstein responded: "That. Is a gulf air that leaves at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an amazing helper".
These messages were published on this week together with more than 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the deceased financier convicted of sex crimes.
The disclosure by the Congressional committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. Media outlets has been able to confirm his identity by matching the dates, occurrences, and places mentioned.
For example, Epstein talks about chartering a jet from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the messages, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and delivered the talk at the Oxford Union on November 16.
Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, did not reply on the inquiry.
Epstein's Assurance to Bannon
Bannon served as Trump's key advisers in the lead-up to the presidential election and in the early days of his first administration, but stepped down from the White House in 2017.
He has acknowledged he was producing a documentary about Epstein prior to his death and allegedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his podcast recently, he said: "We plan to publish the series, 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 extended than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a aide.
A short time before the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid travel agent in history ".
Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r pretty good asst", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Excluded".
Discussing a trip to "AD" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I'll make sure you're taken care of."
UK Politics Mentioned in Exchanges
The released communications also show Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in that year.
On the day of his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit issue this morning with Nigel, Johnson and Rees Mogg."
Then, in what appears to be a reference to the UK prime minister, the embattled British leader at the period, he continued: "The guys are attempting to move on. may soon…"
Epstein advised Bannon: "I think remaining as long as you can in the UK. Ideal- so others see the dedication of your follow-up."
Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa May remain in power". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely however the guys over here have little courage" and noted "Boris ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to step up".
Theresa May was eventually removed in 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of lack of support in late 2018.
A spokesman for the political party informed the BBC: "Nigel Farage has not been in a gathering with Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is no evidence that encounter occurred.
The Congress will decide soon on whether the Department of Justice should release all its files concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in that year.
Interest in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was reignited this week after the release of more than 20,000 pages from his archives.
A portion of those referenced Trump, who has repeatedly rejected any wrongdoing. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for years, but claims they parted ways in the 2000s, two years before Epstein was initially charged.