Newly released documents have brought to light text message exchanges between Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, the non-voting delegate from the U.S. Virgin Islands, and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a congressional hearing in February 2019. The Washington Post has identified Plaskett as the correspondent in these messages, which were revealed after her name had been redacted from earlier reports.
"As a former prosecutor, she welcomes information that helps her get at the truth and took on the GOP that was trying to bury the truth," said a spokesperson for Plaskett's office.Congresswoman Plaskett's office has confirmed the authenticity of the messages, highlighting that she often receives and considers advice and commentary from various sources, including staff, constituents, and the public, which in this instance included Epstein. The texts were sent while Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former lawyer, was testifying before the House Oversight Committee.
During the hearing, Cohen accused President Trump of engaging in racist behavior, manipulating financial records, and orchestrating hush money payments, allegations that President Trump has consistently denied. The documents indicate that, in preparation for her turn to question Cohen, Plaskett sought Epstein's insights. One text from Plaskett inquired, "He’ll talk about his grades," prompting Epstein to question the rationale behind not releasing college transcripts.
Epstein also sent messages commenting on Plaskett's appearance, and during the broadcast, when Plaskett appeared to be chewing gum, Epstein inquired, "Are you chewing?" to which she replied about her habit from middle school.
The interaction also involved Epstein providing Plaskett with information on Trump associates. Minutes before her questioning slot, Plaskett texted Epstein for clarification on an acronym, which Epstein explained referred to Rhona Graff, Trump’s former executive assistant. Following this guidance, Plaskett pressed Cohen on other potential witnesses and associates, using the term "henchmen," as described by Epstein.
At the conclusion of the hearing, Epstein praised Plaskett's performance with a message saying, "Good work." At this time, Epstein was a known sex offender, having been convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor. His legal troubles would escalate with federal sex trafficking charges in July 2019, and his subsequent death by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019.
Defending the Congresswoman, her office issued a statement emphasizing Plaskett's track record of fighting sexual assault and human trafficking, her condemnation of Epstein’s criminal activities, and her support for his victims. The statement also noted that Plaskett, as a former prosecutor, valued information that could assist in uncovering the truth and fulfilling her oversight duties.
The disclosure of these text exchanges between Congresswoman Plaskett and Epstein during a high-profile investigation into allegations against President Trump has garnered attention, given Epstein’s criminal background. Nonetheless, Plaskett's office maintains that her engagement with Epstein was solely for the purpose of gathering pertinent information to inform her line of questioning and her responsibilities in oversight.
