On Tuesday, the House Freedom Caucus put forward a resolution aimed at removing U.S. Virgin Islands Representative Stacey Plaskett from the Intelligence Committee. They allege that she “actively received guidance” from the late accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein during a hearing in 2019.
Representative Ralph Norman (R-South Carolina) introduced this resolution as the House deliberates on a bill to disclose further details about Epstein. The House Oversight Committee has recently released a significant trove of emails, texts, and various documents.
These materials illustrate Epstein’s advice to Michael Cohen on how to address inquiries regarding Trump’s legal practices.
Reports suggest that Plaskett, although a non-voting member of Congress, accepted significant campaign funds from Epstein during her 2016 and 2018 campaigns, notably after his 2008 conviction for soliciting minors for prostitution.
Epstein owned Little St. James, a private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, from 1998 until his passing in 2019.
After Epstein faced federal sex-trafficking charges in July 2019, Plaskett originally indicated she would retain the donations. However, following public criticism, she changed her stance and stated that she would “match my previous contributions to organizations in the Virgin Islands that support women and children.”
The resolution from the Freedom Caucus claims that Plaskett was “actively coached” by Epstein during a February 2019 hearing.
Plaskett, who has experience as an assistant attorney general in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Division, reportedly had numerous political, personal, and professional connections with Epstein, dating back to after his conviction as a sex offender and continuing until his arrest and death in 2019.
This relationship sharply contrasts with the public persona she has created as a proponent of justice and accountability. It raises concerns about her judgment, integrity, and overall suitability for her current role, particularly given her past in the DOJ and her place on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
The resolution concludes with the announcement of her removal from the committee: “The following nominated members are to be removed from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and are hereby removed, Mr. Plaskett.”
Read the resolution:
