Correspondence Reveal Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Relationship

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly Donald Trump's chief strategist, visited the UK to deliver a address at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The event was disrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters slowed down speech I doubt I can catch the plane we r enroute to heathrow".

Epstein replied: "That. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an amazing helper".

These messages were released on this week alongside over 20,000 documents from the records of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The release by the Congressional committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's name is withheld. The BBC has been able to confirm his involvement by cross-referencing the dates, occurrences, and locations mentioned.

For instance, Epstein talks about chartering a jet from the UK for the redacted user in the messages, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the speech 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 key aides in the lead-up to the presidential election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but stepped down from the White House in August 2017.

He has acknowledged he was producing a film about Epstein before his passing and reportedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show 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 recently disclosed materials suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile occasionally seeming to act like a personal assistant.

A short time before the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "what's it like to have the most highly paid travel agent in the world ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are quite capable asst", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Not Included".

Discussing a trip to "AD" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you are well looked after."

UK Politics Discussed in Messages

The released messages also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in 2018.

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

Then, in what appears to be a reference to Theresa May, the struggling UK prime minister at the period, he added: "They are attempting to move on. May today / tomorrow…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think remaining as much as you can uk. Ideal- so others get the dedication of your follow through."

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa may remain in power". Bannon answered: "I don't see how BUT the people here have little courage" and noted "Boris ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - someone has to step up".

Theresa May was eventually removed in 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of lack of support in late 2018.

A representative for Reform UK informed the BBC: "Farage has not been in a gathering with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting took place.

The US House of Representatives will decide next week on whether the justice department should make public all its records concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.

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

Some of those referenced the former president, who has repeatedly rejected any wrongdoing. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for years, but claims they parted ways in the 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was first arrested.