Former Trump aide Steve Bannon made light-hearted comments about the relationship between President Trump and Prince Andrew through deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein. The remarks were part of a trove of 23,000 documents provided to the US House Oversight Committee by Epstein’s estate, coinciding with Trump’s initial state visit to the UK. During the visit, Trump and Melania paid respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior alongside Prince Andrew.
Epstein messaged Bannon after seeing images of Prince Andrew and Trump together at the event, prompting a joking exchange. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt accused Democrats of selectively leaking emails to tarnish Trump’s reputation.
Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew, had previously worked at Trump’s Mar A Lago resort in Florida before being introduced to Epstein by Ghislaine Maxwell. In prior communications, Prince Andrew denied any involvement in the allegations against him and Epstein and sought support from the financier.
Epstein’s emails also revealed interactions with Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador, advising him to distance himself from Prince Andrew. The correspondence spanned several years, indicating ongoing contact between Mandelson and Epstein.
Epstein’s death in 2019 while facing legal charges marked a significant turn in the case. Prince Andrew continues to face allegations from Giuffre, leading to his removal from Royal Lodge and a settlement with her. In a 2019 BBC interview, Andrew acknowledged his interactions with Epstein but denied specific allegations against him.
