Newly released documents from the controversial Epstein Files shed light on U.S. attention toward European politics, with multiple references to Matteo Salvini, Italy’s former interior minister and leader of the right-wing Lega party. While the files offer no evidence linking Salvini to Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities, they reveal that Epstein and his associates closely monitored his ascent on the political stage.
The documents, made public by the U.S. Department of Justice, include private exchanges between Epstein and Steve Bannon, former adviser to ex-President Donald Trump. Salvini appears in more than 20 conversations, largely in discussions of electoral strategy and the broader momentum of right-wing movements across Europe.
Most references relate to the period between Italy’s March 2018 general election and the European Parliament elections in May 2019, when Lega’s popularity surged, eventually bringing the party into government. In the exchanges, Bannon discussed potential visits to Italy to meet Salvini during delicate coalition negotiations, while Epstein commented on Salvini’s growing political influence.
The communications suggest that Epstein and Bannon saw Salvini as part of a broader European shift, alongside figures such as France’s Marine Le Pen and right-wing leaders in Hungary, Germany, and the UK. Within Bannon’s political organisation, The Movement, alliances with Lega and like-minded parties were central to plans to expand right-wing representation in the European Parliament.
Some exchanges speculate that a strong showing by right-wing parties could destabilise governments in Italy and elsewhere, potentially triggering early elections. Early 2019 messages also discuss campaign organisation and fundraising to support candidates aligned with Salvini and Le Pen, though the documents provide no proof of direct financial involvement.
By the May 2019 elections, the tone of the correspondence grew more cautious. Bannon suggested Salvini’s support might have peaked too early, while attention shifted to other European leaders. The files do not confirm any direct contact between Epstein and Salvini, noting that Salvini does not speak English, underscoring the lack of personal connection.
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