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Newly released House oversight committee texts show Jeffrey Epstein coached Steve Bannon during a six day stretch in August 2018, shaping TV performances and political messaging to defend Donald Trump and boost Bannon’s media ventures. The exchange captures banter, production notes, and talking points on tax cuts, immigration, and security clearances, plus real time reactions to David Pecker’s immunity in the Michael Cohen case. The messages also reference Peter Thiel and Anthony Scaramucci and discuss covert meeting plans amid surveillance concerns. Bannon did not respond to the Guardian’s requests for comment; it’s unclear whether the chat was longer.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.