Bannon & Epstein: Texts Reveal Close Ties & Trump Disparagement

The newly released trove of Jeffrey Epstein documents continues to yield connections to prominent figures, and the latest revelations detail a surprisingly close relationship between the convicted sex offender and Steve Bannon, the former chief strategist to President Donald Trump. The exchanges, spanning from 2018 to mid-2019, reveal a dynamic that went beyond mere acquaintance, encompassing political advice, personal favors, and a shared, often cynical, view of the political landscape.

The correspondence began in earnest after Bannon’s departure from the White House. According to documents reviewed, the two men engaged in frequent messaging, discussing everything from news coverage of Epstein’s legal troubles to potential ventures for Bannon. A particularly revealing exchange occurred in November 2018, when Epstein, anticipating scrutiny following his legal battles, advised Bannon against launching a non-governmental organization (NGO) to promote his nationalist agenda. Instead, Epstein suggested a media company, arguing it would offer greater privacy and protection. “Press. Private. Protected,” Epstein wrote, framing it as a “battle plan” to safeguard Bannon’s gains.

This advice appears to have resonated with Bannon, who within a year launched War Room, a daily live podcast that became a central platform for the MAGA movement. While the direct influence of Epstein on the podcast’s creation remains unclear, the timing and Bannon’s subsequent styling of himself as a “general” directing political “shock troops” suggest a connection. Interestingly, despite the crimes of Epstein – who died by suicide while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges – becoming a focal point for Trump’s base, the topic is now rarely addressed on War Room.

The Justice Department’s release of millions of pages of Epstein-related documents last year further illuminated the depth of the Bannon-Epstein relationship. The messages reveal a surprisingly warm and reciprocal dynamic. Epstein offered Bannon stays at his properties and travel on his private jet, even joking about being “the most highly paid travel agent in history,” with the addendum, “Massages. Not included.” The exchanges weren’t solely one-sided; Bannon reciprocated with personal messages, including a late-night inquiry – “You up???” – and enthusiastic celebrations when Epstein’s 2008 plea deal was upheld. “Dude!!!!!!” Bannon messaged, seeking confirmation that the news was real.

The conversations also reveal a shared willingness to openly discuss, and sometimes mock, President Trump. In one instance, Bannon reportedly described Trump as “stupid” in a message to Epstein. In another, he derisively referred to Trump as a “stable genius.” Epstein, seemingly aware of the potential political fallout, cautioned Bannon, writing, “Now you can understand why trump wakes up in the middle of the night sweating when he hears you and I are friends.”

The relationship wasn’t limited to personal banter and political strategy. Documents show Bannon sharing details about his media appearances, including a particularly enthusiastic assessment of a Fox Business anchor, describing her as “so wet” during an interview. This level of candor underscores the apparent trust and comfort Bannon felt in confiding in Epstein.

The final documented exchange between the two occurred in July 2019, just hours before Epstein’s arrest on sex trafficking charges. They were discussing a potential meeting in New York and a planned visit to Epstein’s island in the Caribbean. Epstein abruptly canceled the plans, messaging Bannon with a cryptic “All canceled” at 7:37 p.m. ET. He had flown his private jet from Paris to New Jersey, where federal agents were waiting to arrest him.

The release of these documents raises questions about the extent to which Bannon leveraged his relationship with Epstein for political and professional gain. While there’s no indication of wrongdoing on Bannon’s part, the nature of the connection – characterized by frequent communication, personal favors, and shared political insights – is likely to draw further scrutiny as the full scope of Epstein’s network continues to be revealed. The documents also highlight the complex and often uncomfortable relationships that existed between Epstein and individuals at the highest levels of American power, a network that continues to be untangled years after his death.

The German government has also indicated it is closely monitoring the released files, specifically looking for any evidence of criminal activity involving German nationals. Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel is mentioned in the documents dozens of times in correspondence between Epstein and Bannon, with both men reportedly making disparaging remarks about her. Another German name appearing in the files is Stephanie von Bismarck, the ex-wife of former German Defense Secretary Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, listed as a customer of a bank where Epstein also held an account.