Overview
- Newly released Justice Department records include a Dec. 31, 2018–Jan. 1, 2019 exchange where Steve Bannon told Jeffrey Epstein it was “beyond borderline — 25 amendment” regarding President Trump.
- Earlier 2019 texts show Bannon advising Epstein to “push back on the lies,” “crush the pedo/trafficking narrative,” and “rebuild your image as philanthropist.”
- On the day of Epstein’s July 2019 arrest, the pair were texting about a proposed documentary, with Bannon suggesting they could “film on the island,” before Epstein replied, “All canceled.”
- Messages also depict Bannon discussing efforts to undermine Pope Francis, including a June 2019 note saying he would “take down” the pontiff and references to a potential film tied to a Vatican exposé book.
- Gen. Michael Flynn and Marjorie Taylor Greene publicly called for Bannon to be questioned, while Bannon says the exchanges reflect documentary work and no new charges have been announced.