Text messages and emails from 2017 to 2019 show former Trump strategist advising Epstein and referencing constitutional removal of then-President Donald Trump.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Newly released Justice Department files provide new details about private communications between former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including discussions referencing the 25th Amendment and strategic advice offered to Epstein as his legal exposure intensified.
The documents, which include text messages and emails spanning late 2017 through Epstein’s arrest in July 2019, show that Bannon maintained contact with Epstein years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
One exchange began on New Year’s Eve 2018, shortly after Democrats regained control of the House of Representatives. According to the messages, Bannon wrote that the “WH” had “zero plan to punch back” amid mounting political pressure. Epstein replied, referring to then-President Donald Trump, “He is really borderline. Not sure what he may do.”
Bannon responded: “I think it’s beyond borderline — 25 amendment,” referencing the constitutional provision that allows the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet to remove a president deemed unfit for office. In the same exchange, Bannon added, “we really need an intervention.”
The disclosure prompted reaction from several conservative figures. Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn wrote on X that if “Bannon AND Epstein were behind it, Bannon needs to be brought in for questioning.” Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., also addressed the revelations, writing that there was “no excuse for having such a friendly relationship with Epstein, post conviction, 2018-19. None.”
Bannon has not publicly addressed the 25th Amendment texts in detail but defended his communications with Epstein as part of a documentary effort. In a statement to The New York Times, Bannon said: “I am a filmmaker and TV host with decades of experience interviewing controversial figures. That’s the only lens through which these private communications should be viewed — a documentary filmmaker working, over a period of time, to secure 50 hours of interviews from a reclusive subject.”
The files indicate the relationship extended beyond scheduling interviews. After reportedly being introduced in late 2017 by author Michael Wolff, who later credited Bannon as a key source for the 2018 book “Fire and Fury,” the two men exchanged frequent messages. In February 2018, Epstein wrote to an associate: “We have become friends.”
As Epstein faced renewed scrutiny in early 2019 following investigative reporting by The Miami Herald, Bannon’s messages shifted toward legal and public relations strategy. In April 2019, Bannon texted Epstein: “First we need to push back on the lies; then crush the pedo/trafficking narrative; then rebuild your image as philanthropist.”
In another message, Bannon wrote: “we must counter ‘rapist who traffics in female children to be raped by worlds most powerful, richest men’ — that can’t be redeemed.”
When Epstein asked whether he should publicly respond to renewed scrutiny, Bannon replied: “Have you lost your f****** mind.” He added, “The moment you say ANYTHING, this is global story#1!!!!!”
The documents also show Bannon recommending attorneys, including William A. Burck and Alex Spiro, referring to them as “my boys.” Both lawyers have said they did not represent Epstein.
Bannon arranged what he described as “media training,” writing in April 2019: “Friday afternoon media training @ your place — 2 camera shoot; my crew so totally confidential.” Epstein responded that the session would be “trial by fire.”
The communications included travel and lodging discussions. In March 2019, Bannon texted from Rome: “Is it possible to get your plane here to collect me?” Epstein replied that the plane was unavailable but offered to cover a charter flight. In another exchange, Bannon wrote, “I’m staying with you tonight??” Epstein replied, “Yes stay.”
Epstein also offered to cover Bannon’s medical expenses and sent him and his son Apple watches, according to the documents. A spokesman for Bannon has said he did not fly on Epstein’s jet or use his doctor.
In separate email correspondence cited in the release, Epstein commented about Bannon’s financial backers, writing to an associate: “Someone has to fund his nonsenses,” referring to Bannon’s association with Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui.
The communications continued until July 2019. Shortly before Epstein’s arrest in New Jersey, the two had planned to meet after Epstein returned from Paris. Instead, Epstein texted Bannon, “All canceled.” It was his final message to him.
The newly disclosed records place Bannon at the intersection of internal political discussions about presidential fitness and the broader network of relationships surrounding Epstein. While Bannon maintains his communications were journalistic in nature, the contents of the exchanges have generated renewed scrutiny across political lines.
Original article
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