Story perspectives

Steve Bannon's Texts Raise Questions About Trump and Epstein

2/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Steve Bannon, former chief strategist for U.S. President Donald Trump, is under scrutiny after texts discuss invoking the 25th Amendment to remove the president.
The exchanges, dated around New Year’s Eve 2018, involve Jeffrey Epstein and indicate Bannon believed the president was “beyond borderline” in his behavior.
Critics including former Trump allies Michael Flynn and Marjorie Taylor Greene are demanding that Bannon explain his relationship with Epstein.

History

Historical Context

The ratification of the 25th Amendment in 1967 established clear procedures for presidential succession and incapacity, addressing concerns raised after John F. Kennedy's assassination. This amendment formalized the transfer of power, a topic that has resurfaced in discussions about presidential fitness, echoing the controversies surrounding Richard Nixon during Watergate. These historical precedents continue to shape debates on political accountability today.

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Story summary

Steve Bannon, former chief strategist for U.S. President Donald Trump, is under scrutiny after texts discuss invoking the 25th Amendment to remove the president.
The exchanges, dated around New Year’s Eve 2018, involve Jeffrey Epstein and indicate Bannon believed the president was “beyond borderline” in his behavior.
Critics including former Trump allies Michael Flynn and Marjorie Taylor Greene are demanding that Bannon explain his relationship with Epstein.

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