Epstein’s Shadow: How a Disgraced Financier Attempted to Fuel Europe’s Far-Right
Newly released court documents related to Jeffrey Epstein reveal a concerted effort by his associate, Steve Bannon, to secure funding and support for far-right political parties across Europe. The revelations, dating primarily from 2018 and 2019, paint a picture of Bannon actively seeking to build a pan-European alliance of nationalist and Eurosceptic forces.
Bannon’s European Ambitions
Following his departure from the Trump administration, Bannon frequently traveled to Europe, aiming to unite right-wing parties in countries like Italy, Germany, France, Hungary, Poland, Sweden, and Austria. His strategy centered on leveraging these groups to advance a specific political agenda, and potentially, for personal and financial gain through association with Epstein.
Italy’s Matteo Salvini as a Key Target
The documents highlight Bannon’s particular focus on Matteo Salvini, then Italy’s vice-premier and leader of the League party. Opposition parties in Italy are now demanding clarification on whether Epstein’s influence played a role in the League’s rise to prominence, given repeated mentions of Salvini in communications between Bannon and Epstein. While there’s no evidence of direct financial ties, the messages demonstrate Epstein’s clear interest in European nationalists.
France and Beyond: A Wider Network
The scope of Bannon’s outreach extended beyond Italy. In France, messages reveal discussions involving Jack Lang, a former Minister of Culture, and his daughter, raising questions about potential connections. Similarly, communications detail Bannon’s efforts to secure funding for Marine Le Pen, leader of the French far-right National Rally. In Germany, the exchanges reveal Bannon promoting Alternative for Germany (AfD) while disparaging then-Chancellor Angela Merkel.
The Pursuit of Funding and Influence
Bannon reportedly boasted about his influence as an “advisor” to these emerging populist movements, viewing their success as an opportunity for personal and financial benefit. Messages from March 2019 indicate Bannon was actively “focused on raising money for Le Pen and Salvini” to ensure they could field comprehensive candidate lists for the European Parliament elections.
No Direct Proof of Funding, But Concerns Remain
Despite the documented efforts, there is currently no concrete evidence that Epstein directly funded the League or other European far-right parties. But, the correspondence clearly illustrates Bannon’s attempts to tap into Epstein’s wealth to support his political objectives. Italian politicians are calling for transparency regarding potential external influences on European politics.
The Broader Implications
The revelations raise concerns about the potential for foreign interference in European political processes and the vulnerability of democratic institutions to external funding. The case underscores the need for greater scrutiny of political financing and the potential for wealthy individuals to exert undue influence on electoral outcomes.
Salvini, Bannon’s Preferred Candidate
The messages reveal a meeting between Bannon and Salvini in Milan in March 2018, shortly after the Italian general election. Bannon met with Salvini again in Italy in September of the same year, when the League joined his anti-European organization, the Movement. The League returned to power in 2022 as a key partner in Giorgia Meloni’s governing coalition.
Not Just the French Far-Right
In France, Jack Lang, director of the Arab World Institute, appears in emails discussing meetings and vacations. Lang stated he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities at the time of their encounters. His daughter, Caroline, a film producer, resigned from the Union of Independent Producers of France after emails revealed she founded an offshore company with Epstein in 2016 to invest in young artists. There were no indications of illegality.
Emails too detailed communications between Epstein and Olivier Colom, an advisor to former President Nicolas Sarkozy. An email exchange in 2018 suggested then-Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire visited Epstein’s New York home, though he reportedly left quickly upon realizing who the host was.
