Correspondence Uncover Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Ties

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously a top aide to Donald Trump, was in the UK preparing for a address at the Oxford Union.

The speech was interrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to travel that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters delayed my talk don't think I can make the plane we r enroute to the airport".

Epstein responded: "That. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an amazing assistant".

These messages were released on this week together with more than 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.

The release by the House oversight committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is withheld. The BBC has been able to confirm his involvement by matching the timeline, occurrences, and places referenced.

For example, Epstein talks about chartering a plane from the UK for the unnamed individual in the messages, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and gave the speech at the Oxford on November 16.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, declined to comment on the inquiry.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as Trump's key advisers in the run up to the 2016 election and in the early days of his first administration, but resigned from the administration in August 2017.

He has admitted he was producing a documentary about Epstein prior to his passing and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his podcast earlier this year, he stated: "We're going to publish the film, the multi-part documentary, next year - at the start of next year."

But the newly released materials suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein went further than documenting his life, 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 arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the most highly paid travel agent in history ".

Bannon thanked him: "U r quite capable asst", to which Epstein replied "Therapies. Not Included".

Discussing a trip to "AD" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."

British Affairs Discussed in Messages

The released communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in that year.

On the same day his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit issue this morning with Farage, Johnson and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a allusion to Theresa May, the struggling UK prime minister at the period, he added: "The guys are attempting to proceed. may today / tomorrow…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think staying as much as you can in the UK. Best-- so others see the dedication of your follow-up."

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa May remain in power". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely BUT the people over here have no balls" and noted "Boris ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - somebody has to take charge".

Theresa May was eventually toppled in May 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of lack of support in December 2018.

A representative for Reform UK informed media: "Nigel Farage has not been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter took place.

The US House of Representatives will vote next week on whether the Department of Justice should release all its files concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.

Attention in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was renewed recently after the publication of more than 20,000 pages from his estate.

Some of those mentioned Trump, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The president was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they fell out in the 2000s, two years before Epstein was initially charged.