Jeffrey Epstein’s influence reached far beyond the worlds of finance and scandal. Newly released records from the House Oversight Committee reveal that in August 2018, the convicted sex offender was quietly advising former Trump strategist and MAGA influencer Steve Bannon during a media blitz to defend Donald Trump and promote Bannon’s own ventures.
As reported by The Guardian, the committee’s documents show a six-day stretch of messages, from 17 to 23 August, that offers a rare look into how Epstein positioned himself as a behind-the-scenes strategist.
One side of the conversation is sent from an iMessage account linked to an Epstein email. The other side is unnamed, but references to Fox News appearances, Bannon’s 2017 exit from the White House and his work on the documentary Trump @War clearly identify him.
It is unclear whether the published exchange is a complete record. Earlier this year, after Elon Musk said, “Bannon is in the Epstein files”, Bannon told the Independent he wanted a special investigator to review “all” Epstein documents.
What the messages do show is Epstein’s emerging role as an informal political operator, someone shaping messaging on Trump’s tax cuts, the immigration debate, and the fallout from headline-grabbing scandals.
Coaching a former White House strategist
The first messages reveal Epstein giving direct, real-time feedback on Bannon’s television appearance. YouTube archives show Bannon was on MSNBC with Ari Melber that day.
“How did it go?” Epstein asked as the interview wrapped. Epstein even told him, “I took off early so I could land in time to watch. all good?,” reported The Guardian.
Bannon replied, “They went for an hour instead of 30 minutes, showing the entire hour over multiple platforms.”
Epstein sent back: “Atta boy.”What followed was a mix of banter and blunt critique, Epstein’s casual tone masking the authority he wielded.
“You looked so clean-cut next to him I thought I turned on the figure skating channel by accident,” Epstein wrote as reported by The Guardian.
Bannon joked, “My ‘come hither’ look.” Epstein shot back, saying, “Better than the usual ‘come Hitler’ look.”
“Ouch,” Bannon replied. When Bannon explained he had prepared carefully to appear “‘clean’, not sloppy” for what he called the “‘soy boy’ network”, Epstein teased: “Closer to toy boy ;)”
But Epstein was not just chiding. He delivered pointed, technical feedback on optics and staging—camera angles, lighting, posture.
“Last ten minutes, more the real you,” he wrote. “Your eye is the best; it’s so important for you to watch the play reel. Over the shoulder for him, 3/4 for you. ?? lighting… hot for you… chairs…? too restrictive for you,” as reported by The Guardian.
Crafting MAGA talking points
Epstein’s involvement went well beyond presentation. The messages show him shaping policy messaging, particularly around Trump’s tax cuts, a defining White House achievement.
“We can discuss the response to tax cut criticism. 83 per cent too rich is misleading by miles. Cash back. Pension funds up,” he wrote, before laying out a broader argument. “Corporations are not people. Giving corp breaks , is perceived as giving it to someone else. Wage inflation can’t be the first focus, the additional money in the system. First goes to hiring new people; only afterwards can wages rise.”
The guidance reads like someone deeply familiar with economic messaging, giving Bannon a framework to sell Trump’s policies.
At the same time, Epstein complained about his own growing controversies, referencing someone he said was sending letters about him to federal agencies.
“FYI, there is a guy, totally nuts, out of jail after 20 years that has been sending letters re me to all agencies, stalking . etc., and wants a billion dollars. No real threat, just one more pain.”
Then he added, “Steven Hoffenberg. He bought the NY Daily News for 1 dollar. Etc.” Hoffenberg later became widely known for linking Epstein to the 1990s Ponzi scheme that landed him in prison.
Inside conversations about Thiel, Scaramucci and scandal fallout
The texts also show Epstein in conversations about key MAGA-world figures, positioning himself as someone with access to political players and their agendas.
On 18 August, he wrote: “Message: Im back wed . ( Thiel coming ). ” Three days later, he updated Bannon again: “1. Peter Thiel in town… 4. The mooch [Scaramucci] ( still in contact with Ivanka ) has reached out to me , and asked how he can re engage with you. ?? I ve only met him once. odd.”
The two men were also reacting to major developments in the Michael Cohen case. When news broke that National Enquirer publisher David Pecker received immunity, the messages turned urgent.“Pecker immunity one more drop,” Epstein wrote.
Bannon responded, “Huge event huge.” Then: “More women payoffs coming.”
A partnership wrapped in secrecy
The final messages show both men trying to conceal their collaboration. “Btw, I’m in New York tonight through Saturday, if you want to visit under the cover of darkness or breakfast tomorrow if you like,” Epstein wrote on 23 August.
Bannon cautioned, “Do you have access that’s not the front door– they have 24/7 surveillance on you.”
Epstein offered alternatives: “I’m happy to come see you if it’s better.” And then, “Message: separate from the process server that left yesterday or the early morning doorman next door. Any idea of who?”
Bannon replied, “Don’t know, but real folks cost a lot of coin.”
Epstein suggested a discreet meet-up: “Can meet at 301 East 66, if you prefer.” I will send apt #.”
Bannon baulked at another location: “I don’t like the Regency, as it is totally wired.”
Trying to reassure him, Epstein wrote, “There is also a rear entrance on 67 , if you prefer”; “Super secure ,”; and “Someone can meet you and take you in.”
Bannon finally agreed: “Just set a time. I’ll be in after 430.”
