Epstein Live-Texted House Democrat Stacey Plaskett Advice During 2019 Congressional Hearing

Del. Stacey Plaskett (D-VI) texted with Jeffrey Epstein during a 2019 congressional hearing with President Trump’s former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, apparently forming her questions around Epstein’s advice, newly released documents show.

The Report: The Washington Post (Lean Left bias), which first reported the story, reviewed several video feeds from the hearing and matched texts Epstein sent to Plaskett, whose name was redacted in the recently released documents, to the times they were sent. 

The Texts: When Cohen brought up former Trump assistant Rhona Graff in his testimony, Epstein wrote, “Cohen brought up RONA - keeper of the secrets.” Plaskett responded, “RONA??” She then added, “Quick I’m up next is that an acronym.” Epstein also texted, “Hes opened the door to questions re who are the other henchmen at trump org,” to which Plaskett replied, “Yup. Very aware and waiting my turn.” After Plaskett’s questioning finished about 10 minutes later, Epstein texted her, “Good work.”

Key Quote: After The Post published its report, Plaskett’s office said in a statement, “During the hearing, Congresswoman Plaskett received texts from staff, constituents and the public at large offering advice, support and in some cases partisan vitriol, including from Epstein. 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. The congresswoman has previously made clear her long record combating sexual assault and human trafficking, her disgust over Epstein’s deviant behavior and her support for his victims.”

For Context: In 2016 and 2018, Epstein donated the legal maximum to Plaskett’s election campaigns, totaling $8,100. An investigation published in June 2023 by Business Insider (Lean Left) found that Epstein donated $30,000 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee at Plaskett’s request, though the committee eventually rejected the donation. In April 2023, Plaskett faced criticism from media for a letter she sent to journalist Matt Taibbi (Center) that requested him to “correct” a testimony he offered to Congress and reminded him that false statements could be punishable by five years imprisonment.

How The Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum credited The Washington Post for first reporting the story. Outlets from the right, such as The New York Post (Lean Right) and ZeroHedge (Lean Right), framed the 2019 hearing as an attempt to weaken sitting President Trump. The New York Post opened by saying Epstein was “feeding questions to” Plaskett.

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