An Oversight Committee Democrat was reportedly in communication with Jeffrey Epstein during a 2019 Congressional hearing involving Michael Cohen, according to reports from The Washington Post and CNN. Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, who represents the US Virgin Islands as a non-voting delegate, exchanged text messages with Epstein while former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen testified before Congress about business practices related to Donald Trump.
Michael Cohen had previously been sentenced to 36 months in prison for offenses including lying to Congress, campaign finance violations, and tax evasion connected to his taxi medallion business.
The text exchanges reportedly included Epstein offering suggestions on lines of questioning for Plaskett. For example, The Washington Post reported that Epstein sent Plaskett a message referring to “RONA – keeper of the secrets,” referencing former Trump aide Rhona Graff. Plaskett replied by asking if “RONA” was an acronym and indicated she was next to speak. Epstein then suggested that questions could be asked about other associates at the Trump Organization.
During the hearing, Plaskett asked Cohen whether there were others who should be called as witnesses and pressed him for additional names. These questions aligned with advice provided by Epstein in the text messages.
A spokesperson for Plaskett, Angeline Jabbar, confirmed to CNN that during the hearing Plaskett received texts from various sources including staff members, constituents, and members of the public—among them Jeffrey Epstein. Jabbar stated: “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.” She added: “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.”
Text messages released from February 27, 2019—the date of Cohen’s testimony—had redacted names but were analyzed by The Washington Post against video footage of the hearing to confirm they involved Plaskett.
The House Oversight Committee’s official account commented on social media regarding these developments.
