A newly released repository of documents from the estate of deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein indicates that Steve Bannon, the former chief strategist for President Donald Trump, exchanged messages with Epstein in November 2018, seeking urgent assistance with logistical arrangements during a trip to the United Kingdom to address the Oxford Union. This correspondence, identified from a tranche of over 20,000 pages published by the U.S. House oversight committee, reveals a relationship that extended beyond Bannon’s previously stated work on a documentary about Epstein.
The electronic messages, the sender of which was initially redacted, were cross-referenced by a BBC analysis using dates, events, and travel details, confirming Bannon as the correspondent. The exchanges cover Bannon’s November 2018 schedule, which included an appearance at the News Xchange conference in Edinburgh on November 14, followed by his prominent address at the Oxford Union two days later.
Bannon Sought Alternative Flight After Oxford Event Delayed
The dialogue provides a candid look into Bannon’s travel plans. Following the Oxford Union event on the evening of November 16, which was reportedly delayed by protests, Bannon messaged Epstein expressing concern that he would miss his scheduled flight and was traveling toward Heathrow Airport.
Epstein responded quickly, suggesting an alternative travel option: a Gulf Air route that included a stop in Bahrain. Bannon reportedly praised Epstein’s prompt assistance, furthering an established pattern of communication where the two discussed travel and logistics. In an earlier exchange, Epstein jokingly referred to himself as the “most highly paid travel agent in history,” to which Bannon responded positively, with Epstein quipping that “massages” were not included in the service. Separately, regarding an anticipated trip, seemingly to Abu Dhabi, Epstein offered assurance that Bannon would be fully accommodated.
Bannon has publicly acknowledged his previous interaction with Epstein, asserting he gathered approximately 15 hours of footage for a planned five-part documentary series about the financier, slated for release in early 2026. However, Bannon has not been accused of any illegal activity related to Epstein, and he did not respond to the BBC’s request for comment regarding the newly authenticated messages.
Political Commentary on Brexit and Theresa May
The correspondence also offers a snapshot of British political turbulence in late 2018, demonstrating Bannon’s deep involvement in Brexit discussions. On the morning of his Oxford address, Bannon informed Epstein that he had been pulled into discussions involving key Brexit figures, including Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson, and Jacob Rees-Mogg, indicating that senior Conservatives were attempting to mount a challenge against then-Prime Minister Theresa May.
Epstein advised Bannon to prolong his stay in the U.K. to demonstrate enduring political commitment. When asked about May’s political longevity, Bannon predicted her imminent downfall, expressing disappointment at the lack of unified resolve among Conservative heavyweights such as Johnson, Michael Gove, Rees-Mogg, and David Davis. Despite Bannon’s prediction, May survived two confidence votes in December 2018 before ultimately resigning in May 2019. A spokesperson for Reform UK later denied that Farage ever participated in a joint meeting with Bannon, Johnson, and Rees-Mogg, noting no evidence of such a gathering exists.
The ongoing release of documents related to the Epstein case continues to heighten public scrutiny of his extensive network of connections with influential global figures, including references to Donald Trump. The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote next week on compelling the Justice Department to release all records from its Epstein investigation, signaling a sustained effort to bring full transparency to the matter.