Messages Highlight Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Ties
In late 2018, Steve Bannon, previously a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK preparing for a speech at the Oxford Union.
The event was interrupted by hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists delayed speech don't think I can make the flight we r enroute to the airport".
Epstein responded: "There. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an amazing assistant".
These messages were published on Wednesday alongside over 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the deceased financier convicted of sex crimes.
The release by the Congressional committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's identity is withheld. The BBC has been able to confirm his involvement by matching the timeline, occurrences, and locations mentioned.
For example, Epstein talks about chartering a plane from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the chat, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the speech at the Oxford Union on November 16.
Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, declined to comment on the request for comment.
Epstein's Assurance to Bannon
Bannon served as the president's key advisers in the run up to the presidential election and in the early days of his first administration, but resigned from the White House in August 2017.
He has admitted he was making a documentary about Epstein before his passing and allegedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show recently, he said: "We plan to publish the film, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - at the start of next year."
But the newly released documents 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 short time prior to the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid booking agent in the world ".
Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are pretty good assistant", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".
Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in another message, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you're well looked after."
UK Politics Mentioned in Messages
The released communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in 2018.
Earlier on the same day his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit thing this morning with Nigel, Boris and Mogg."
Then, in what seems like a reference to the UK prime minister, the struggling British leader at the period, he added: "The guys are trying to move on. may soon…"
Epstein advised Bannon: "I think staying as long as you can uk. Ideal- so people get the commitment of your follow-up."
Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa May survive". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely however the people over here have little courage" and noted "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - somebody has to take charge".
Theresa May was eventually toppled in 2019 after withstanding two votes of lack of support in late 2018.
A spokesman for Reform UK informed media: "Nigel Farage has never been in a meeting with Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting occurred.
The Congress will vote soon on whether the justice department should release all its records related to its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in prison in that year.
Interest in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was reignited this week after the publication of over 20,000 documents from his archives.
Some of those mentioned Trump, who has consistently rejected any wrongdoing. The leader was a acquaintance of Epstein's for a long time, but says they parted ways in the 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was first arrested.