Jeffrey Epstein advised Steve Bannon during 2018 pro-Trump media campaign

The convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein apparently served as a behind-the-scenes adviser to the former Trump official and Maga influencer Steve Bannon during an August 2018 media campaign to defend Trump and his agenda, and to promote Bannon’s media ventures.

Text messages released by the House oversight committee on Wednesday detail a six-day exchange between the men from 17 to 23 August, and show Epstein coaching Bannon on television appearances and political messaging.

One side of the conversation is sent from an iMessage account associated with an Epstein email address, and while the name of Epstein’s correspondent is redacted in the documents as released, contextual clues – including references to Fox News appearances, his August 2017 firing from the White House and his work on the documentary Trump @War – make it clear the other participant is Bannon.

It is not known whether the released material is excerpted from a longer conversation. Bannon did not reply to multiple requests for comment from the Guardian. When Elon Musk said earlier this year that “Bannon is in the Epstein files”, Bannon told the Independent he wanted a special investigator to look into “all” the Epstein documents.

The exchanges offer a detailed picture of Bannon’s efforts to continue supporting Trump a year after his acrimonious departure from the White House, and show Epstein’s close involvement in crafting messaging on tax cuts, immigration and even security clearance revocations.

They also show the two men’s responses to breaking scandals. When news broke on 23 August that National Enquirer publisher David Pecker had received immunity in the Michael Cohen case, Bannon texted “Huge event huge”, followed by “More women payoffs coming.”

The messages begin with Epstein offering immediate feedback on a live media appearance by Bannon. The venue is not identified in the chat records, but YouTube archives indicate that on 17 August, Bannon was interviewed on MSNBC by Ari Melber.

“How did it go?” Epstein asked as the interview concluded.

Epstein appeared to be watching the broadcast live, telling Bannon: “I took off early so I could land in time to watch. all good?”

Bannon responded: “They went for an hour instead of 30 minutes--- showing the entire hour over multiple platforms.”

Epstein shot back “atta boy”.

The pair then engaged in banter, with Epstein writing: “You looked so clean cut next to him i thought i turned on the figure skating channel by accident.”

Bannon responded: “My ‘come hither’ look.” Epstein replied that was “Better than the usual ‘come hitler’ look”.

Bannon, who has been credited with a central role in the resurgence of far-right populism around the world, responded: “Ouch”.

When Bannon mentioned he had prepared carefully for the appearance, saying he wanted to be “‘clean’ not sloppy” for what he called the “‘soy boy’ network”, Epstein responded: “Closer to toy boy ;)”

Epstein then offered more considered feedback on his performance and appearance, writing, “Last ten minutes , more the real you,” which he followed with some detailed advice on staging: “Your eye is the best , 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.”

Epstein took an active role in developing talking points for Bannon’s media appearances at that time, particularly about economic policy. The messages show Epstein crafting detailed responses to criticism of Trump’s tax cuts.

“We can discuss response to tax cut criticism. The 83 percent to rich is misleading by miles . Cash back. Pension funds up,” Epstein wrote, adding: “Corporations are not people. Giving corp breaks , is perceived as giving it to someone else. wage inflation cant be the first focus, the additional money in the system. First goes to hiring new people, only afterwards can wages rise.”

Epstein also complained to Bannon about people turning on him amid a developing scandal about his previous activities and his apparently favorable treatment by federal prosecutors.

On 22 August, he wrote: “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. wants a billion dollars. No real threat , just one more pain.”

He added: “Steven hoffenberg, . He bought the ny daily news for 1 dollar. Etc.”

Steven Hoffenberg was imprisoned in 1998 for his role in a $500m Ponzi scheme – one of the largest in US history. According to Hoffenberg’s reported claims, and legal filings, Epstein was also involved in the scheme. In August 2022, Hoffenberg was found dead in his Connecticut apartment at the age of 77.

The messages reveal discussions between Bannon and Epstein about Maga world figures including Thiel and Anthony Scaramucci, the short-lived Trump communications director.

On 18 August, Epstein wrote: “Message: Im back wed . ( Thiel coming ). ”

Three days later, he laid out a set of priorities for Bannon: “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 messages capture the two men’s reaction to major developments in the Michael Cohen case. When news broke on 23 August 2018 that National Enquirer publisher David Pecker had received immunity, both recognized its significance immediately.

Epstein texted: “Pecker immunity one more drop.”

Bannon responded: “Huge event huge.” He added: “More women payoffs coming.”

Elsewhere, the pair appear to try to conceal their own collaboration from wider scrutiny.

On 23 August, Epstein wrote: “Btw Im in New York tonite thru sat , if you want to visit under the cover of darkness or breakfast tomorrow if you like.”

Bannon replied: “Do u have access that’s not the front door-- they have 24/7 surveillance on u.”

Epstein responded, “Im happy to come see you if better.”, adding: “Message: separate from the process server that left yesterday or the early morning doorman next door. Any Idea of who?”

Bannon responded: “Don’t know but real folks costing lot of coin.”

Epstein continued: “Can meet at 301 East 66 , if you prefer . I will send apt #.”

Epstein owned an apartment on East 66th Street in Manhattan.

Bannon responded: “I don’t like he regency as it is totally wired.”

In a string of messages, Epstein tried to accommodate Bannon’s apparent desire for secrecy, writing: “There is also a rear entrance on 67 , if you prefer”; “Super secure ,”; and “Someone can meet you and take you in.”

Bannon, apparently satisfied, responded: “Just set a time. Ill be in after 430.”