A lot of names have been released in the Jeffrey Epstein case, and one of them is “Steve Bannon,” a former White House chief strategist. The new document revealed text messages between Bannon and Epstein. Texts released by the House oversight committee on Wednesday show that from June 2018 through mid-2019, Steve Bannon, a Maga influencer and convicted sex offender, and Jeffrey Epstein, collaborated on legal and media strategies to shield Epstein from public scrutiny and legal challenges while also promoting Bannon’s rightwing populist agenda. The communications reveal detailed planning of interviews, opinion pieces, film production and crisis communications, Guardian reported.The messages, numbering hundreds over almost a year, emerged as public outrage mounted over Epstein’s criminal history and his connections to powerful figures. In early exchanges from June 2018 Bannon described the scrutiny as “a sophisticated op” and advised Epstein on responses to media outlets, the justice system and his victims.In one unredacted exchange on June 22-2018, Bannon asked Epstein: “Who is running this op on u something serious going on.” Epstein replied: “First a protest at Clinton and then at Trump. Lots of people very angry at our friendship.” Bannon responded: “It’s an op dude – I do this for a living – the pieces that are dropping are deeply researched. This is sophisticated op.”By November the Miami Herald began publishing blockbuster coverage highlighting Epstein’s misdeeds and apparent leniency. In December an unknown correspondent tried to reassure Epstein, writing: “It will all blow over! They’re really just trying to take down Trump and doing whatever they can to do that … !” Epstein replied: “yes thx. its wild. because i am the one able to take him down.”In early February 2019 Bannon linked Epstein to an item on Zero Hedge quoting Republican then senator Ben Sasse. Epstein wrote: “Yes/ wild,” and shared a Fox News item. He then asked for advice: “Continue to ignore? Ann Coulter on hannity/. Attack? Op ed , ? Not my skill set. What about the attunes penning something that suggests indignation and lays out some of the facts.”Bannon advised: “I think makes it way worse.” Epstein asked: “K, what about Ken talking directly to sasse.” Bannon replied: “Won’t help but yes.” Other exchanges reference Ken Starr, Epstein’s 2007 defender and later counsel in the Trump impeachment trial.Later that month Bannon counseled on interviews: “If you do an interview it can’t be like ‘Johnnie does a utube’ – has to be amazingly professional and perfectly cut.” Epstein replied: “woody said he would help edit. not sure how to stage, what points to make. but better than trying to do an interview that i have no experience doing. goal to himanize the monster. anything written carries iittle weight.” Epstein then sought Bannon’s technical advice on format, topics and style.The following day Epstein attacked his victims in a text: “One of the most important facts for the public seems to be the girls used the agreement to get money and only after then tried to have it voided.”By April the pair appeared to plan a film production to “redeem” Epstein’s reputation. On 30 April Epstein wrote: “the christians i met with feel , the media portraying me as beyond redemption is deeply troubling and offensive.” Bannon replied: “Yes yes yes of course – but we must counter ‘rapist who traffics in female children to be raped by worlds most powerful , richest men’ – that can’t be redeemed – that why we let them blow up the argument while showing the 12 you redeemed. Can’t redeem unredeemable – – you are a lot of things – which we will show – but you are NOT that.” He then asked: “Did u get the film we shot ?” Epstein replied: “Just landed.” They discussed filming and crew size, with Bannon advising a “limited crew – 5 max prob 3.” Further texts addressed Epstein’s appearance.In May 2019 Bannon urged Epstein to hire a crisis communications professional. He texted: “Did u hire the crisis comms guy so we can drive the narrative off that great times piece.” Epstein replied: “Hes here with me now. He thinks stick to legal legal legal . A deal is a deal etc. and then a few months from now.” Epstein added: “Decide how to deal with the pervert hermit image and fill the box with another narrative.” Bannon said: “Agree:: how are we ‘sticking to the legal legal legal.” Epstein wrote: “Articles by legal people . Professors. Lawyers etc. now I’m focused.” Bannon responded: “U had me worried – focus good.”On 28 May Epstein and Bannon criticised Michael Wolff’s Fire and Fury. Epstein wrote: “I have now seen some of Wolffs book. Mentions me and underage prostitutes. You as the man behind and in front of the curtain. Lots of Steve quotes. Lots.” Bannon replied: “Ugh – anything awful??? Wish he hadn’t done that – why are u mentioned @ all?” Epstein said: “Palm beach house purchase. . don’t reach out to Michael.” Bannon responded: “Ugh.” He also reacted “ugh” to a Raw Story link sent by Epstein.On 25 June, weeks before Epstein’s re-arrest, Epstein texted Bannon a Miami Herald headline: “Jeffrey Epstein plea deal must stand, prosecutors tell sex abuse victims.” Bannon responded: “Dude!!!! Is this real Tell me this is real” and “Is that out anywhere yet.” Epstein replied: “Miami herald. But more and better july 9.” Bannon said: “Epic epic epic.” Epstein was re-arrested on 7 July.In other exchanges Epstein commented on unrelated political events. In May he wrote: “Underwater office ? How nuts are these people.” On 3 June, the day of a royal visit to the UK, Epstein texted: “prince andrew and trump today. t000 funny” and “recall prince andrews accuser came out of mara lago.” Bannon said: “Can’t believe nobody is making u the connective tissue.”The communications also show Epstein advising Bannon in September 2018 on how to undermine allegations against Supreme Court candidate Brett Kavanaugh by focusing on Christine Blasey Ford’s medications. On 30 September 2018 Epstein told Bannon Republicans should “make sure they ask ford about her medications , what type and for how long. . my guess is that katz won’t let her answer”. Bannon replied: “Roger.” Epstein sent links on false memories and added: “she couldn’t recall if the lie detector was given the same day as her mothers funeral or the next day.? MEDS.” Bannon asked: “Is this a hint” and Epstein said “duh”.Epstein’s correspondent identity is redacted throughout the files, but contextual evidence and an unredacted phone number in one document link the communications to Bannon and match a number cited in a legal case against Trump adviser Roger Stone. Bannon did not respond to requests for comment. When Elon Musk stated earlier this year that “Bannon is in the Epstein files”, Bannon told the Independent he wanted a special investigator to review “all” the Epstein documents.Bannon left the Trump White House in late summer 2017 but maintained influence as a Maga figure. The texts outline how both men coordinated legal defences, shaped public perception and sought to protect Epstein’s reputation while advancing Bannon’s political objectives.
