In brief
Emails released from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate reveal an unusual relationship with Steve Bannon, Donald Trump's former chief strategist. Bannon and Epstein exchanged messages regarding travel plans, with Epstein appearing to act as Bannon’s travel assistant. The disclosures came from over 20,000 pages of documents made available by the House oversight committee, raising questions about the extent of their relationship amidst discussions of UK politics and personal assistance.
In November 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 hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: Protesters slowed down speech don't think I can make the flight we r enroute to heathrow.
Epstein replied: There is a gulf air that leaves at 950 with a stop in Bahrain. Bannon responded appreciatively, saying: U r an amazing assistant.
The messages were published alongside more than 20,000 pages of documents from Epstein's estate. The House oversight committee released these documents, which include an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is redacted, but the BBC has linked the identity through contextual clues.
For instance, Epstein discusses chartering a plane for a user whose identity aligns with Bannon's schedule during the same time frame of the Oxford speech.
Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, did not reply to the BBC's request for comment.
Bannon's relationship with Epstein appeared multifaceted. Bannon noted he was making a film on Epstein prior to his death and has about 15 hours of footage that he intends to release in a five-part series. However, the newly available documents suggest that their connection involved more than merely a professional relationship, with Epstein often assuming the role of a personal assistant.
A few days before the aforementioned exchange about Bannon's flight, Epstein joked about his efficiency, stating, how does it feel to have the most highly paid travel agent in history? Bannon's response was cheerful acknowledgment: U r pretty good asst, followed by Epstein's humorous retort: Massages. Not Included.
On another trip to AD, presumably Abu Dhabi, Epstein assured Bannon: I'll make sure you're well looked after.
Revealed messages from the same time show discussions on UK politics. For instance, the day Bannon spoke at the Oxford Union, he texted Epstein about involvement in a discussion with major political figures regarding Brexit.
Notably, Bannon expressed doubts about UK Prime Minister Theresa May's future, while Epstein asked, Will Theresa May survive? Bannon responded, questioning the potential of various political figures to step up.
As interest in Epstein's relationships with powerful individuals resurfaces, the US House of Representatives plans to vote on whether to release additional investigative files related to Epstein, who died in prison in 2019. The ongoing attention to Epstein’s associations emphasizes the intricate web of connections he had with influential figures, including Donald Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein.
