The messages show two men trading political intelligence about Trump, European elections and Brazil, at all hours. Bannon wrote of advising right-wing parties in six European countries and of “taking on soros”; Epstein replied that some matters were “not for text.” In June 2019 Epstein wrote, “Now you can understand why Trump wakes up in the middle of the night sweating when he hears you and I are friends.” Bannon answered: “Dangerous.” [1]
In April 2019 Bannon arranged confidential “media training” at the townhouse and supplied a “script” Epstein’s people used with The New Yorker. Bannon’s crew filmed him interviewing Epstein; two hours are in the release, and Epstein’s brother Mark says there are about 15 hours. Epstein bought Apple Watches for Bannon and his nephew. [1][2][3]
What we can’t tell you. Texts show intent and access, not what either man did off the record.
Critics including Laura Loomer and Erick Erickson, and Elon Musk on X, said Bannon owed his audience an explanation; for many MAGA voters the files fed a suspicion that their own movement’s gatekeepers were part of what they were fighting. Democrats saw proof that the Epstein network crossed party lines. [1][2]
Bannon’s defenders say a documentary-maker interviewing a notorious figure is doing his job and that the footage could itself be evidence. The texts undercut that in part: they show him planning to “crush the pedo/trafficking narrative,” not to expose it. The record shows the relationship plainly; it does not show any role in Epstein’s crimes. [1]
What we can’t tell you. Most of the footage has not been released.
Report on the interview video and the reaction on the right.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT THIS FILE
The claims, rated.
4 claims people make about this file, each rated documented, partly true, disputed, unproven or false. Think a rating is wrong? Use Dispute or Support, or join the Discussion.
DOCUMENTED The names
“Steve Bannon worked to rehabilitate Epstein’s image.”
His texts propose to “crush the pedo/trafficking narrative” and “rebuild your image as philanthropist,” and he arranged media training and filmed interviews.
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