Texts Reveal years of Collaboration Between Steve Bannon and jeffrey Epstein, Including Reputation Management Advice
Newly revealed text messages demonstrate a sustained and collaborative relationship between Steve Bannon and convicted sex offender jeffrey Epstein spanning 2018 and 2019, during which Epstein advised Bannon on political strategy and, at times, offered guidance on discrediting his accusers. The messages, obtained by reporters, show Epstein actively engaging with Bannon on topics ranging from the #MeToo movement to the Supreme Court confirmation hearings of Brett Kavanaugh.
The correspondence began in May 2018, with Epstein objecting to details in a New York Post story about his Virgin Islands compound, texting Bannon, “Underwater office ? How nuts are these people.” The exchange evolved to include commentary on political events, with Epstein expressing amusement at a meeting between then-President Donald Trump and Prince Andrew on June 3, 2018, texting Bannon, “prince andrew and trump today. t000 funny,” and noting,”recall prince andrews accuser came out of mara lago.” Bannon responded,”Can’t believe nobody is making u the connective tissue.”
The texts reveal a shared disdain for the #MeToo movement and, crucially, show Epstein offering bannon specific advice on undermining Christine Blasey Ford’s accusations against Kavanaugh. On September 30, 2018, Epstein texted Bannon, “make sure they ask ford about her medications , what type and for how long.. my guess is that katz won’t let her answer,” referring to Ford’s attorney. Bannon replied, “Roger,” and Epstein followed up with links to articles detailing potential memory loss caused by medications and false memories in social anxiety disorder, adding, “she couldn’t recall if the lie detector was given the same day as her mothers funeral or the next day.? MEDS.”
Even as epstein faced renewed legal scrutiny, Bannon appeared to harbor a fleeting hope for a favorable outcome. On June 25, 2019, weeks before Epstein’s re-arrest, he texted Bannon a headline about Epstein’s plea deal: “Jeffrey Epstein plea deal must stand, prosecutors tell sex abuse victims.” Bannon responded with excited disbelief: “Dude!!!!”,”Is this real Tell me this is real,” and “Is that out anywhere yet.” Epstein confirmed the story’s publication in the Miami Herald, adding, “But more and better july 9.” Bannon’s response: “Epic epic epic.” Epstein was arrested on July 7, 2019.
The thread includes a phone number matching those associated with Bannon in 2019 court filings. the extent of any reciprocal advice or benefit Bannon received from Epstein remains unclear, but the texts paint a picture of a surprisingly close and ongoing dialogue between the two men.