Correspondence Highlight the late financier and former Trump strategist Ties
In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly Donald Trump's chief strategist, was in the UK preparing for a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.
The speech was disrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Activists slowed down speech don't think I can catch the plane we r enroute to the airport".
Epstein responded: "That. Is a gulf air departing at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an amazing helper".
These exchanges were released on this week alongside more than 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.
The release by the House oversight committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's identity is withheld. The BBC has been able to establish his involvement by cross-referencing the dates, occurrences, and locations referenced.
For instance, Epstein talks about chartering a plane from Scotland for the redacted user in the chat, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon participated in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and gave the talk at the Oxford two days later.
Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, declined to comment on the request for comment.
Epstein's Assurance to Bannon
Bannon was one of the president's closest aides in the lead-up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but stepped down from the administration in 2017.
He has acknowledged he was producing a documentary about Epstein prior to his death and reportedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his show recently, he said: "We're going to publish the series, the five-part series, next 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 personal assistant.
A few days prior to the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid booking agent in the world ".
Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r quite capable assistant", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".
Discussing a visit to "AD" in another message, Epstein told Bannon: "I'll make sure you're taken care of."
British Affairs Discussed in Messages
The published messages also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in that year.
On the day of his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit issue this morning with Farage, Johnson and Rees Mogg."
Then, in what appears to be a allusion to Theresa May, the struggling British leader at the period, he continued: "They are trying to proceed. May soon…"
Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think remaining as much as you can in the UK. Ideal- so others get the dedication of your follow through."
Soon after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa May remain in power". Bannon replied: "I don't see how however the guys here have little courage" and added "Boris ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to take charge".
Theresa May was eventually removed in May 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of no confidence in late 2018.
A representative for the political party told media: "Nigel Farage has not been in a meeting with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter took place.
The Congress will vote next week on whether the Department of Justice should make public all its files concerning its probe into Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.
Attention in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was reignited recently after the publication of more than 20,000 documents from his estate.
A portion of those mentioned the former president, who has repeatedly rejected any impropriety. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for years, but claims they fell out in the 2000s, two years before Epstein was first arrested.