Washington, D.C. — Delegate Stacey Plaskett (D‑U.S. Virgin Islands) confirmed that she exchanged text messages with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a 2019 congressional hearing, insisting her communications were motivated by a pursuit of truth.
The texts occurred while Plaskett was questioning Michael Cohen, former attorney for Donald Trump, during a House Oversight Committee hearing. Epstein reportedly sent messages commenting on Cohen’s testimony, including notes about Trump associates mentioned during the hearing. Plaskett defended her interactions, saying, “I believed that Jeffrey Epstein had information, and I was going to get information to get at the truth.”
Epstein’s messages also included personal comments, such as complimenting Plaskett’s appearance and remarking on her chewing during the hearing. After Plaskett’s questioning, Epstein texted her: “Good work.”
Plaskett’s office stated that the texts came from “staff, constituents, and the public at large … including from Epstein,” and emphasized that she had no personal relationship with him and has returned any prior campaign contributions associated with Epstein.
The revelations sparked a Republican-led effort to censure Plaskett and remove her from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. On November 18, 2025, the House voted against the censure, 214–209. Plaskett defended herself on the House floor, asserting that her goal was to uncover factual information and that she did not solicit advice or guidance from Epstein.
Supporters, including Rep. Jamie Raskin (D‑Md.), described the messages as routine communications from constituents and staff. Critics, however, argued that Epstein’s messages could have influenced her line of questioning during the hearing.
The incident has drawn national attention, raising questions about the boundaries of communication between lawmakers and convicted offenders, even in the context of seeking information. Plaskett reiterated her commitment to transparency and combatting sexual exploitation, emphasizing that her goal was to obtain truthful information during official congressional proceedings.
