Emails Reveal the late financier and Steve Bannon Relationship
In late 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, visited the UK preparing for a address at the prestigious Oxford Union.
The speech was interrupted by hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters slowed down my talk don't think I can catch the flight we are heading to heathrow".
Epstein replied: "There. Is a gulf air that leaves at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an amazing assistant".
These messages were released on this week together with over 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the deceased financier convicted of sex crimes.
The disclosure by the Congressional committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is withheld. The BBC has been able to establish his involvement by cross-referencing the timeline, occurrences, and locations mentioned.
For example, Epstein discusses chartering a plane from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the messages, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the speech at the Oxford two days later.
Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, declined to comment on the inquiry.
'I'll make sure you're well looked after'
Bannon served as the president's closest advisers in the run up to the presidential election and in the early days of his first administration, but resigned from the administration in 2017.
He has admitted he was making a documentary about Epstein before his death and reportedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a live taping of his show earlier this year, he said: "We plan to publish the series, the five-part series, in the coming year - early next year."
But the recently disclosed documents suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile at times seeming to act like a aide.
A short time prior to the exchange in which Epstein seemed to booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the most highly paid booking agent in history ".
Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are quite capable asst", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Not Included".
Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I'll make sure you are well looked after."
British Affairs Discussed in Messages
The published communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in 2018.
Earlier on the day of his speech at the Oxford, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit issue this day with Nigel, Johnson and Mogg."
Then, in what appears to be a reference to the UK prime minister, the embattled UK prime minister at the period, he added: "They are trying to proceed. May today / tomorrow…"
Epstein suggested Bannon: "In my view staying as long as you can in the UK. Ideal- so others get the commitment of your follow through."
Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa may remain in power". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely however the guys here have no balls" and noted "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - someone has to step up".
May was finally removed in May 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of lack of support in late 2018.
A spokesman for the political party told media: "Nigel Farage has not been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting occurred.
The US House of Representatives will vote soon on whether the justice department should release all its records related to its investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in that year.
Interest in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was renewed this week after the release of over 20,000 documents from his estate.
A portion of those referenced Trump, who has repeatedly denied any impropriety. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for years, but claims they fell out in the 2000s, a couple of years before Epstein was initially charged.