Emails Highlight the late financier and Steve Bannon Ties
In late 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, was in the UK preparing for a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.
The event was disrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, who was due to travel that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists slowed down speech don't think I can catch the flight we r enroute to the airport".
Epstein replied: "There. 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 Wednesday together with more than 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the deceased financier convicted of sex crimes.
The release by the Congressional committee includes an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. Media outlets has been able to confirm his identity by cross-referencing the timeline, occurrences, and locations mentioned.
For example, Epstein talks about chartering a jet from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the chat, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and gave the talk at the Oxford Union on November 16.
Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, did not reply on the inquiry.
'I'll make sure you're well looked after'
Bannon was one of the president's closest advisers in the lead-up to the presidential election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but stepped down from the White House in August 2017.
He has admitted he was producing a film about Epstein before his death and reportedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his show earlier this year, he said: "We're going to release the series, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - at the start of next year."
But the newly released materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a personal assistant.
A few days before the exchange in which Epstein seemed to booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid booking agent in history ".
Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r pretty good asst", to which Epstein replied "Therapies. Not Included".
Discussing a visit to "AD" in another message, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you're taken care of."
British Affairs Discussed in Messages
The published communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in 2018.
On the day of his speech at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit issue this day with Nigel, Boris and Rees Mogg."
Then, in what seems like a allusion to the UK prime minister, the struggling British leader at the period, he continued: "The guys are attempting to proceed. May today / tomorrow…"
Epstein advised Bannon: "I think staying as long as you can in the UK. Best-- so people get the commitment of your follow through."
Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa May remain in power". Bannon replied: "I don't see how however the people here have no balls" and noted "Boris ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - someone has to step up".
May was finally removed in May 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of no confidence in late 2018.
A spokesman for Reform UK informed the BBC: "Nigel Farage has never been in a gathering with Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence that encounter took place.
The Congress will decide next week on whether the Department of Justice should release all its files related to its probe into Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.
Interest in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was renewed recently after the release of over 20,000 documents from his archives.
A portion of those mentioned the former president, who has repeatedly denied any impropriety. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they parted ways in the early 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.