Newly disclosed text messages have exposed convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as a behind-the-scenes adviser to former Trump strategist Steve Bannon during a crucial 2018 media campaign supporting Donald Trump's presidency.
The Six-Day Exchange
The House oversight committee released a series of text exchanges spanning 17-23 August 2018, revealing Epstein's active involvement in coaching Bannon on television appearances and political messaging. The messages show Epstein providing real-time feedback on Bannon's media performances and developing detailed talking points on key policy issues.
The correspondence began with Epstein offering immediate analysis of a live media appearance by Bannon, believed to be an MSNBC interview with Ari Melber. Epstein demonstrated he was watching the broadcast live, telling Bannon: "I took off early so I could land in time to watch. all good?"
Political Strategy and Messaging
Epstein took an active role in shaping Bannon's political messaging, particularly regarding economic policy. The messages show Epstein crafting detailed responses to criticism of Trump's tax cuts, writing: "The 83 percent to rich is misleading by miles . Cash back. Pension funds up."
He provided sophisticated economic analysis, adding: "Corporations are not people. Giving corp breaks , is perceived as giving it to someone else. wage inflation cant be the first focus, the additional money in the system. First goes to hiring new people, only afterwards can wages rise."
The exchanges also reveal discussions about prominent MAGA world figures, including Peter Thiel and Anthony Scaramucci. Epstein informed Bannon that Scaramucci had reached out, asking how he could "re engage with you," while noting Thiel was coming to town.
Reacting to Breaking Scandals
The messages capture both men's immediate reactions to major developments in the Michael Cohen case. When news broke on 23 August that National Enquirer publisher David Pecker had received immunity, both recognised the significance immediately.
Epstein texted: "Pecker immunity one more drop." Bannon responded: "Huge event huge," followed by the ominous prediction: "More women payoffs coming."
The exchanges also show Epstein complaining about people turning on him amid developing scandals. He mentioned Steven Hoffenberg, who was imprisoned for his role in a $500m Ponzi scheme, describing him as "totally nuts" and claiming he was "stalking" Epstein and "wants a billion dollars."
Secret Meetings and Surveillance Concerns
The texts reveal the pair took measures to conceal their collaboration from public scrutiny. Epstein suggested meeting "under the cover of darkness" during a visit to New York, prompting Bannon to express concerns about surveillance.
Bannon warned: "Do u have access that's not the front door-- they have 24/7 surveillance on u," indicating awareness of the monitoring Epstein was under. Epstein offered alternative meeting locations, including his Manhattan apartment on East 66th Street and using rear entrances to avoid detection.
Bannon expressed discomfort with certain locations, stating: "I don't like he regency as it is totally wired." Epstein attempted to accommodate these security concerns, suggesting "Super secure" alternatives and offering to have "Someone can meet you and take you in."
The released material represents just a six-day snapshot of their communication, and it remains unknown whether this was excerpted from a longer conversation. Bannon did not respond to multiple requests for comment from the Guardian about the revelations.
When Elon Musk earlier this year stated that "Bannon is in the Epstein files," Bannon told the Independent he wanted a special investigator to look into "all" the Epstein documents. The newly released messages provide concrete evidence of their working relationship during a critical period in Trump's presidency.
