Newly released Jeffrey Epstein files reveal that Steve Bannon, former chief strategist to Donald Trump, sought Epstein's support to fund European far-right parties. Messages from 2018 and 2019 show Bannon focused on raising money for Marine Le Pen in France and Matteo Salvini in Italy ahead of European elections.
Bannon, after leaving the Trump administration, aimed to unite ultra-rightwing and Eurosceptic forces across Europe. He targeted Salvini, then Italian deputy prime minister, and Le Pen, leader of France's National Rally. The files also show Bannon promoting Germany's Alternative für Deutschland while denigrating Angela Merkel.
Italian opposition parties have urged Salvini to clarify whether Epstein influenced the League's rise. In France, La France Insoumise called for a parliamentary inquiry after figures like former culture minister Jack Lang appeared in the files. There is no evidence of direct ties between Salvini and Epstein, nor that Epstein financed the League.
Bannon's messages detail his European travels and ambition for nationalist power in Brussels. He met Salvini in Milan in March 2018 and again in September that year when the League joined Bannon's anti-EU Movement. Salvini's party dismissed funding speculation as 'unfounded' and 'serious exaggerations'.
Andrea Casu of Italy's Democratic Party demanded government clarity on potential links. Riccardo Magi of Più Europa claimed the files implicate Salvini in alleged funding promised by Bannon. Bannon has declined to comment on the exchanges.
