Convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein allegedly texted Democratic Virgin Islands Del. Stacey Plaskett during the House Oversight Committee’s questioning of President Donald Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, in 2019.
The apparent texts between Epstein and Plaskett were first reported by the Washington Post, and are part of thousands of correspondence from Epstein released from his estate to the House Oversight Committee.
In the messages, Epstein appeared to be advising Plaskett on what to ask Cohen after he mentioned a former Trump executive assistant named Rhona Graff during his testimony in front of the committee.
Epstein, misspelling Graff’s first name, texted Plaskett, Cohen brought up RONA – keeper of the secrets.”
“RONA??” Plaskett responded. “Quick I’m up next is that an acronym.”
“Thats his assistant,” Epstein replied.
She then asked Cohen about Graff.
“Are there other people that we should be meeting with?” Plaskett asked.
“So Allen Weisselberg is the chief financial officer in The Trump Organization…” Cohen said.
“You’ve got to quickly give us as many names as you can so we can get to them,” Plaskett said. “Is Ms. Rhona, what is Ms. Rhona’s— …?”
“Rhona Graff is the — Mr. Trump’s executive assistant … She was — her office is directly next to his, and she’s involved in a lot that went on,” Cohen replied.
The original messages do not identify Plaskett outright. The outlet matched up the texts and their timestamps with the hearing, and the Virgin Islands’ delegate’s office acknowledged she had spoken with Epstein. Epstein had contributed to her congressional campaign in the past and was a constituent of hers. Several months after the hearing, Plaskett donated Epstein’s contributions to charity.
“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,” Plaskett’s office told the Washington Post.
“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,” they added.
The pair’s exchange came before Epstein was charged with sex trafficking minors, but after he had pleaded guilty in Florida for soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008.
The pair appeared to exchange small-talk during the hearing. “Great outfit,” Epstein said, “You look great.”
Plaskett responded, “Thanks!”
They further discussed the Democratic delegate’s appearance. “Are you chewing,” Epstein asked Plaskett. “Not anymore,” she said, explaining she was chewing the interior of her mouth, the result of a bad habit from middle school.
Epstein later wrote that she had done “good work” and asked her if she was “surprised by the rabid Republican defense.”
She replied, “Of course not.”
The House will vote next week on whether to reveal more of the Epstein files, potentially paving the way for more high-profile politicians to be connected with the financier.
TRUMP CONFRONTED AGAIN BY EPSTEIN PROBLEM THAT WON’T GO AWAY
President Donald Trump has tried to distance himself from Epstein during his second term. He publicly blasted Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene (R-GA) Friday night, withdrawing his support of the Georgia Republican, which she alleged he did because he wanted to “make an example” of her before next week’s vote on the files.
“It’s astonishing really how hard he’s fighting to stop the Epstein files from coming out that he actually goes to this level,” Greene added.