(Crankers) Newly released documents from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate are shining light on a surprising connection: Rep. Stacey Plaskett exchanged real-time text messages with Epstein during Michael Cohen’s high-profile 2019 testimony before Congress.
The messages, uncovered in a large batch of emails and files made public by the House Oversight Committee, show Epstein watching the hearing live and texting Plaskett advice on what questions to ask as her turn approached. The congresswoman, who represents the U.S. Virgin Islands as a non-voting delegate, was a member of the House Oversight Committee at the time.
According to the records, Epstein texted Plaskett during the hearing referencing Trump’s longtime assistant Rhona Graff, misspelling her name as “Rona,” and telling Plaskett that Cohen “opened the door” to questions about other Trump Organization insiders. Plaskett replied that she was “up next” and asked Epstein what the acronym “RONA” meant. Epstein responded that it was Trump’s assistant.
The timing lined up with the hearing video: moments after the messages, Plaskett questioned Cohen about two specific figures, Graff and Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg, the same names Epstein had flagged to her in the texts.
Another message from Epstein after her questioning read, “Good work,” according to the published records.
While the lawmaker’s name was originally redacted in the files, journalists matched timestamps, content, and video footage of the hearing to confirm the identity as Plaskett. Epstein’s long-standing ties to the U.S. Virgin Islands also added context, as did his past political donations to Plaskett’s campaigns.
After the documents were released, Plaskett’s office confirmed she did receive texts from Epstein that day, along with messages from staff, constituents, and others during the televised hearing. Her office stressed she often received outside notes during hearings and said the messages had no influence on her positions or actions.
Plaskett also emphasized her public record on fighting sex trafficking and distancing herself from Epstein’s crimes, calling his behavior “disgusting” and reiterating her support for his victims. Her office pointed out that in later legal proceedings involving the Virgin Islands government and Epstein’s business activities, claims involving Plaskett were dismissed.
The documents don’t show any ongoing relationship between the two beyond the 2019 exchange, and there is no indication of criminal wrongdoing by Plaskett. But the messages highlight how Epstein, even while facing intense scrutiny before his arrest, still had direct lines of communication to public officials.
For now, the texts remain one of the more unexpected revelations to emerge from the thousands of pages released from Epstein’s estate, raising new questions about political access, influence, and how much Epstein tried to insert himself into high-profile political moments.