Epstein’s Influence on Representative Plaskett During 2019 Hearing

Recently released documents indicate that Jeffrey Epstein provided guidance to Representative Stacey Plaskett during a Congressional hearing in 2019, potentially aiming to undermine President Trump’s standing.

Initially brought to light by the Washington Post, these documents show Epstein interacting with Plaskett at a House Oversight Committee hearing on February 27, 2019. The context was tense, as Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney, was testifying about allegations that Trump had paid his mistress to silence reporting prior to the 2016 election. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

As Cohen mentioned Lorna Graf, who was Trump’s former chief of staff, Epstein seemed to be multitasking, reportedly watching television.

Epstein texted, “Cohen brought up RONA, the secret keeper,” though he misspelled Graf’s first name. Plaskett responded, “Rona? Next up is Quick I’m Up, that’s an acronym,” signaling her intent to challenge Cohen shortly.

To which Epstein replied, “That’s his assistant.”

The text exchanges indicate Epstein’s influence over Cohen’s line of questioning.

At 12:25 p.m., Epstein texted Plaskett, “He has opened the door to questions about who the other henchmen in the Trump Organization are.” Plaskett acknowledged, “Yes, I know very well and am waiting my turn.”

The Post reported that at 2:28 p.m., Plaskett began her questioning of Cohen, focusing on Graf and other associates Epstein mentioned. After finishing at 2:34 p.m., Epstein texted her, “Good job.”

The documents were part of around 20,000 pages released from Epstein’s estate by the House Oversight Committee. Although Plaskett’s name was redacted, the Post was able to analyze the messages against video recordings, confirming her texts with Epstein.

At the time of the hearing, Epstein had already been convicted on state prostitution charges and was awaiting indictment for sex trafficking minors.

Epstein owned two private islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which authorities have identified as central to his trafficking activities.

Initially, Plaskett did not comment, but after the story broke, her office released a statement confirming she had received various communications during the hearing, including from Epstein.

In the statement, Plaskett’s office noted, “During the hearings, Rep. Plaskett received emails from staff, constituents, and the general public offering advice, support, and in some cases vitriolic partisan content that included Mr. Epstein.”

They added that Plaskett, as a former prosecutor, sought out information to uncover the truth and confront Republicans trying to obscure it. She is outspoken about her opposition to sexual assault and human trafficking, emphasizing her condemnation of Epstein’s actions.

A fellow Virgin Islands representative pledged to return $8,100 in campaign donations from Epstein but initially hesitated about what to do with the funds.

In June 2023, Plaskett sparked controversy when she stated on MSNBC that Trump “needs to be shot” for mishandling classified documents, later correcting herself to say “it needs to stop.”

Recently, Trump called for a Justice Department investigation into Epstein’s connections with prominent Democrats and entities like JPMorgan Chase.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi subsequently assigned Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, to conduct the investigation, assuring that it would be done “quickly and with integrity.”