In late 2018, Steve Bannon, previously a top aide to Donald Trump, was in the UK preparing for a speech at the Oxford Union.
The speech was disrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Activists delayed my talk don't think I can catch the plane we are heading to the airport".
Epstein replied: "There. Is a gulf air departing at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an amazing assistant".
These messages were published on this week together with more than 20,000 documents from the records of Epstein, the deceased financier convicted of sex crimes.
The release by the Congressional committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC has been able to confirm his identity by matching the dates, events, and locations mentioned.
For instance, Epstein discusses chartering a jet from the UK for the unnamed individual in the messages, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon participated in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and gave the talk at the Oxford on November 16.
Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, declined to comment on the request for comment.
Bannon was one of Trump's key advisers in the run up to the 2016 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 making a documentary about Epstein prior to his passing and reportedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his show earlier this year, he stated: "We plan to release the series, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - at the start of next year."
But the newly released documents suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier occasionally appearing to serve like a personal assistant.
A short time prior to the exchange in which Epstein seemed to booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid travel agent in the world ".
Bannon thanked him: "You are quite capable asst", to which Epstein replied "Therapies. Not Included".
Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you're well looked after."
The published messages also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in that year.
Earlier on the same day his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I became involved in the Brexit thing this day with Nigel, Johnson and Mogg."
Then, in what appears to be a reference to the UK prime minister, the struggling British leader at the period, he continued: "They are attempting to proceed. May today / tomorrow…"
Epstein advised Bannon: "I think remaining as long as you can uk. Ideal- so people see the commitment of your follow through."
Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa May remain in power". Bannon replied: "I don't see how however the people over here have no balls" and noted "Boris ; Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - someone has to step up".
May was finally toppled in 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of no confidence in late 2018.
A spokesman for the political party informed the BBC: "Nigel Farage has never been in a meeting with 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 Department of Justice should release all its files concerning its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in jail in 2019.
Interest in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was renewed this week after the release of more than 20,000 documents from his archives.
Some of those mentioned Trump, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but claims they parted ways in the 2000s, a couple of years before Epstein was initially charged.
Elara is a writer and life coach passionate about sharing stories of transformation and resilience.
News
By Dennis Henry
•
14 Aug 2026
News
By Dennis Henry
•
14 Aug 2026
News
By Dennis Henry
•
14 Aug 2026
News
By Dennis Henry
•
14 Aug 2026
News
By Dennis Henry
•
14 Aug 2026
News
By Dennis Henry
•
14 Aug 2026