Correspondence Highlight the late financier and Steve Bannon Relationship
In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly Donald Trump's chief strategist, was in the UK preparing for a speech at the Oxford Union.
The event was interrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters slowed down speech don't think I can make the flight we are heading to heathrow".
Epstein replied: "That. Is a gulf air that leaves at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an amazing assistant".
These exchanges were released on this week together with over 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.
The disclosure by the House oversight committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's identity is redacted. The BBC managed to confirm his involvement by cross-referencing the timeline, occurrences, and places referenced.
For instance, Epstein talks about chartering a plane from the UK for the redacted user in the chat, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and delivered the speech at the Oxford Union two days later.
Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, declined to comment on the inquiry.
'I'll make sure you're well looked after'
Bannon was one of Trump's key advisers in the run up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but resigned from the administration in 2017.
He has admitted he was making a documentary about Epstein prior to his death and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his podcast earlier this year, he stated: "We plan to publish the film, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."
But the newly released materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a aide.
A few days prior to the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the most highly paid travel agent in history ".
Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are quite capable asst", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Not Included".
Discussing a visit to "AD" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you are taken care of."
British Affairs Discussed in Exchanges
The released communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in 2018.
Earlier on the day of his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I became involved in the Brexit issue this day with Farage, Boris and Mogg."
Then, in what seems like a allusion to Theresa May, the struggling British leader at the time, he added: "The guys are attempting to proceed. May soon…"
Epstein suggested Bannon: "In my view remaining as long as you can uk. Ideal- so others see the dedication of your follow through."
Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa May survive". Bannon answered: "I don't see how however the guys over here have little courage" and added "Boris ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; David Davis - someone has to step up".
Theresa May was eventually toppled in May 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of lack of support in late 2018.
A representative for the political party informed the BBC: "Nigel Farage has never been in a meeting with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter took place.
The Congress will decide next week on whether the justice department should release all its records related to its investigation into Epstein, who died in jail in 2019.
Attention in Epstein's associations with influential individuals was reignited recently after the release of more than 20,000 documents from his estate.
A portion of those referenced the former president, who has consistently rejected any impropriety. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for years, but says they parted ways in the 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was initially charged.