Bannon’s Boast in Epstein Communications
Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon claimed he convinced Australian billionaire Clive Palmer to fund a $60 million advertising blitz during the 2019 federal election, targeting anti-China and anti-climate change themes. This revelation emerges from messages exchanged with Jeffrey Epstein on May 20, 2019, just days after Labor’s unexpected defeat.
The correspondence, part of a U.S. probe into Epstein’s pre-death communications in August 2019, highlights the financier’s connections to figures like Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Elon Musk, and Bill Gates. Bannon’s message to Epstein states: “I had Clive Palmer do the $60m anti China and anti climate change ads.”
Epstein responded by noting the shift from traditional campaigning to online efforts, pointing to Australia’s election and Trump’s 2016 victory as examples where polls proved unreliable. “Telephone polls not accurate,” he wrote, advocating for borderless populist movements. “New, non geographically limited groupings… You can champion a true world bank of the people not the countries,” Epstein suggested.
Bannon agreed, replying: “Yes that’s the objective. Next stop Kazikstan [sic].” This dialogue frames the Australian campaign as one step in a series of global efforts to challenge mainstream parties, climate initiatives, and international bodies.
Background on Bannon and the 2019 Campaign
Bannon, known for leading Breitbart News and serving as a key advisor on Trump’s 2016 campaign, showed strong interest in Australia’s election. In a May 2019 interview, he criticized the contest as lackluster and overly managed by consultants, arguing it lacked genuine passion.
Palmer’s United Australia Party invested $83.6 million in ads across TV, radio, print, and online platforms. These promotions attacked Labor leader Bill Shorten, rejected climate policies, and raised alarms about China’s growing influence, including claims of a potential military takeover via a remote Western Australian airport. Experts in defense and strategy labeled these assertions as fearmongering and unfounded.
Despite securing no seats, Palmer asserted his party’s 3.5 percent primary vote and preference flows to the Liberals were pivotal, especially in Queensland, aiding Scott Morrison’s coalition victory.
Labor’s Post-Election Analysis and Reforms
Labor’s review of the election highlighted how Palmer’s massive spending overshadowed their own ads in media channels. It described his involvement as a disruptive force from a wealthy outsider outspending the entire party, noting in the campaign’s closing days, his efforts aligned with Coalition attacks on Labor in an unusual crossover between rivals.
The analysis called for regulatory changes to curb unlimited political donations, viewing such spending as a risk to fair elections and democratic principles.
Palmer, a longtime supporter of Queensland’s Liberal-National Party, previously won the Fairfax seat in 2013 and helped elect three senators. He lost in 2016 but continued influencing politics through bold, Trump-inspired ad strategies.
Epstein’s Ties to Bannon and Global Scrutiny
The messages reveal Bannon and Epstein as regular companions, with Epstein providing access to homes in Paris and Palm Beach, plus private jet travel. They discussed French President Emmanuel Macron’s warnings about foreign meddling in European elections, with Bannon texting: “U saw where Macron campaign manager coming after me personally.”
Epstein called it “an attack on the sovereignty of the election… it makes you want to throw up,” to which Bannon responded positively: “Loved it.” These details align with ongoing examinations of Bannon’s European engagements.
Efforts to reach Bannon and Palmer for comment continue.
