Newly released documents indicate that Jeffrey Epstein, the late billionaire and convicted sex offender, sent text messages with praise and suggestions to Democratic lawmakers during a hearing in February 2019, where he was questioning Donald Trump’s former lawyer.
The House Oversight Committee shared some emails, texts, and other information from Epstein’s estate last Wednesday. These documents reveal concerning interactions with U.S. Virgin Islands Rep. Stacey Plaskett, who was preparing for the hearing. Michael Cohen’s testimony was a key focus, as he had previously worked for Trump.
It seems Epstein was closely monitoring the situation.In real time, Epstein texted Ms. Plaskett to compliment her appearance and note that Cohen had referenced Trump’s former aide Lorna Graf during his testimony.
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“Cohen mentioned RONA, the secret keeper,” Epstein noted, though he misspelled Graf’s name.
“Rona??” Plaskett responded, sounding a bit confused, mentioning she was about to take her turn to question.
Epstein clarified: “That’s his assistant.”
Although Plaskett’s name is blacked out in the document, The Washington Post confirmed her identity after she cross-referenced the messages with hearing footage.
Before the hearing started, Plaskett texted Epstein about discussing grades, likely referring to Cohen’s credibility.
Epstein responded, questioning the reasons behind not releasing any college transcripts.
While watching the proceedings, he texted again, complimenting her outfit and later added another compliment.
Plaskett reacted: “Thank you!”
Around 10:40 a.m., Plaskett was noted on the broadcast, making chewing motions. The Washington Post reported it.
“Are you biting?” Epstein asked.
Plaskett replied, “I can’t do it anymore. I bite the inside of my mouth. It’s a bad habit since middle school.”
A couple of hours later, Epstein asked when he would get to question Cohen.
“I wonder how much longer it will be for you,” he inquired.
She replied, “You have hours. Go to another meeting.”
Epstein remarked that Cohen’s testimony could lead to questions about other members of the Trump Organization.
“Yes, we are well aware and are waiting our turn,” Plaskett replied.
Around 2:30 p.m., just before she began her questioning, she texted Epstein, urging him to hurry up.
During her questioning of Cohen, she brought up the aides Epstein had mentioned earlier.
“Is there anyone else I should meet?” she asked.
Cohen identified Allen Weisselberg as the chief financial officer of the Trump Organization, before Plaskett again brought up Lorna Graff.
“Please give us as many names as you can so we can reach out,” she urged.
Cohen described Graff as Trump’s executive assistant, mentioning her office’s proximity to Trump’s.
Shortly after Plaskett finished her line of questioning, Epstein sent her an email thanking her for her efforts.
Plaskett, a non-voting member of Congress, received campaign contributions from Epstein during the 2016 and 2018 elections, years after his 2008 conviction for sex trafficking minors.
Epstein owned Little St. James, a private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, from 1998 until his death in 2019.
After Epstein’s death, Plaskett faced criticism for initially planning to retain the campaign funds before backtracking when federal sex trafficking investigations emerged in July 2019. She later stated, “We will match our previous donations to organizations in the Virgin Islands that support women and children.”
Additionally, The Washington Post reported on legal actions filed against officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands, including Plaskett, for allegedly aiding Epstein’s sex trafficking operations.
“The case against Plaskett was voluntarily dismissed with prejudice earlier this year,” the article stated.
Following the publication, Plaskett’s office dismissed the article’s claims in a statement.
“During the hearings, Rep. Plaskett received various messages from staff, constituents, and the public offering advice, support, and at times, extreme partisan views, including input from Epstein,” the statement outlined. “As a former prosecutor, she welcomed information that would help uncover the truth and challenged Republicans who aimed to obscure it. She has consistently advocated against sexual violence and human trafficking, condemned Epstein’s actions, and supported victims.”
Olivia Rondeau is a political reporter based in Washington, DC.
