Epstein's Real-Time Guidance to Democratic Lawmaker Revealed
Newly disclosed documents have exposed startling communications between the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and Democratic lawmaker Stacey Plaskett during a crucial 2019 congressional hearing featuring Michael Cohen, former fixer for Donald Trump.
The messages, part of 20,000 documents released this week by the House Oversight Committee, show Epstein was actively watching the February 2019 hearing and texting Plaskett in real time, offering strategic advice on questions she should pose to Cohen.
Coordinated Questioning During Critical Testimony
According to analysis by the Washington Post, the timing and content of the text messages directly correspond to questions Plaskett asked during the hearing where Cohen was testifying against his former boss. The documents reveal Epstein was closely monitoring the proceedings and actively guiding Plaskett's line of questioning.
"Cohen brought up RONA - keeper of the secrets," Epstein texted, referring to Trump's former executive assistant Rhona Graff. The person believed to be Plaskett responded urgently: "RONA?? Quick I'm up next is that an acronym."
Epstein clarified: "That's his assistant." When her turn came, Plaskett indeed questioned Cohen about Graff, asking him to provide "as many names as you can so we can get to them" and specifically inquiring about "Ms. Rhona."
Ongoing Communication Throughout Hearing
The exchanges continued throughout the day, with Epstein offering insights into Cohen's testimony. At 12:25 PM, Epstein texted: "Hes opened the door to questions re who are the other henchmen at trump org."
Plaskett replied: "Yup. Very aware and waiting my turn," indicating her awareness of the strategic opportunities Epstein was identifying.
Beyond the substantive guidance, Epstein also commented on Plaskett's appearance, texting "Great outfit" at 10:02 AM and adding "You look great" twenty minutes later, to which Plaskett appeared to respond "Thanks!"
Context and Aftermath
At the time of the hearing, Epstein was already a convicted sex offender following his 2008 guilty plea in Florida for soliciting prostitution from a minor. He wouldn't be arrested on federal sex trafficking charges until July 2019.
Plaskett's office confirmed to the Washington Post that she had received texts from Epstein during the hearing. In a statement, her office noted she received messages from "staff, constituents and the public at large offering advice, support and in some cases partisan vitriol, including from Epstein."
The statement emphasised Plaskett's background as a former prosecutor who "welcomes information that helps her get at the truth" and highlighted her "long record combating sexual assault and human trafficking" and "disgust over Epstein's deviant behavior."
The connection between Epstein and Plaskett extends beyond these messages. A 2023 Business Insider investigation revealed Epstein had donated money to Plaskett and other politicians. Epstein also had significant ties to the U.S. Virgin Islands, which Plaskett represents as a non-voting delegate, with his primary residence located on Little Saint James.
Plaskett later served as one of the House impeachment managers who presented the incitement case against Trump in his 2021 Senate trial, demonstrating her continued involvement in high-profile investigations concerning the former president.
The released documents, while redacting Plaskett's name, provide enough contextual evidence through timing and content alignment to strongly suggest her involvement in the exchange, raising new questions about outside influence during critical congressional proceedings.
