Revelations from Newly Released Documents

Documents from a U.S. investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s communications reveal that former Trump strategist Steve Bannon claimed to have influenced Australian billionaire Clive Palmer’s decision to fund a massive advertising campaign during the 2019 federal election. The exchange, dated May 20, 2019—just two days after Labor’s unexpected defeat—highlights Bannon’s role in a broader effort to challenge global democratic norms.

In the message to Epstein, Bannon stated, “I had Clive Palmer do the $60m anti China and anti climate change ads.” This communication underscores Bannon’s asserted sway over what emerged as Australia’s costliest political advertising effort to date.

Epstein’s Network and Global Populist Ties

The released materials shed light on Epstein’s connections with prominent figures, including former U.S. Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, as well as billionaires Elon Musk and Bill Gates. Epstein responded to Bannon by emphasizing the shift from traditional campaigning to online mobilization, pointing to Australia’s election and Trump’s 2016 victory as examples where opinion polls proved unreliable.

“Telephone polls not accurate,” Epstein wrote, advocating for a borderless populist movement. He proposed, “New, non geographically limited groupings… You can champion a true world bank of the people not the countries.” Bannon replied affirmatively, “Yes that’s the objective,” and added, “Next stop Kazikstan [sic].”

This dialogue frames the 2019 Australian election as part of a larger strategy among international political actors to undermine established parties, climate initiatives, and global bodies.

Bannon’s Public Stance on Australian Politics

Bannon, known for leading the right-wing Breitbart News and serving as a key advisor on Trump’s 2016 campaign, had openly discussed the Australian race in May 2019. He criticized the contest as lackluster and overly managed by consultants, arguing that such approaches stripped politics of its vitality.

Campaign records show Palmer invested $83.6 million to promote the United Australia Party, flooding TV, radio, print, and online channels with ads that targeted Labor leader Bill Shorten, rejected climate measures, and raised alarms about China’s role in Australian affairs. Some spots alleged a covert “communist China” takeover, including potential military use of a remote Western Australian airport—claims rejected by defense experts as fearmongering and unfounded.

Impact and Aftermath of the Campaign

Despite failing to secure any seats, Palmer asserted that his party’s 3.5% primary vote and preference flows to the Liberals were pivotal to the Morrison coalition’s success, especially in Queensland. A post-election analysis by Labor highlighted how Palmer’s spending overshadowed their own media presence, marking the entry of ultra-wealthy outsiders as a disruptive force in elections.

The review noted, “In the final stages of the campaign, Palmer’s expenditure also directly backed in the Coalition’s anti-Labor messages, in an unprecedented act of collusion between supposed political rivals.” It called for reforms to curb excessive political donations, viewing them as risks to democratic fairness.

Palmer, a longtime supporter of Queensland’s Liberal-National Party, had previously won the House seat of Fairfax in 2013 and helped elect three senators for his party. He lost in 2016 but continued wielding influence through bold, Trump-inspired ad blitzes.

Bannon and Epstein’s Personal Connections

The messages also detail the close relationship between Bannon and Epstein, who often dined together. Epstein provided access to his properties in Paris and Palm Beach, along with his private jet. The pair exchanged lighthearted remarks about French President Emmanuel Macron’s warnings of foreign meddling in European elections, with Macron’s team targeting Bannon and Russian-linked groups.

Bannon texted Epstein, “U saw where Macron campaign manager coming after me personally.” Epstein replied, “It is an attack on the sovereignty of the election… it makes you want to throw up,” he fumed. Loved it.”

These disclosures align with ongoing examinations of Bannon’s European engagements. Bannon and Palmer have been approached for comment on these matters.