Democrat Who Texted Epstein for Trump Dirt Claims He Was Just a Constituent
Virgin Islands Democrat Del. Stacey Plaskett gave a wild excuse Tuesday after newly revealed messages showed she was texting with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a 2019 congressional hearing — receiving real-time talking points aimed at damaging President Donald Trump.
Plaskett defended the exchange by claiming Epstein was simply “a constituent” at the time and that she had no idea he was under federal investigation. “It was not public knowledge at that time,” she said. “He was sharing information with me.”
The messages, uncovered by journalist Michael Shellenberger, show Epstein feeding Plaskett lines during the Michael Cohen testimony, specifically encouraging her to target Trump’s former assistant. Plaskett responded with confusion over the name, texting Epstein, “I’m up next.” Minutes later, she used the suggestion on the record. Epstein texted her, “Good work.”
The revelation triggered outrage on Capitol Hill, where House Republicans moved to censure Plaskett. A resolution introduced by Rep. Ralph Norman slams her for coordinating with a convicted sex offender during official proceedings.
“Delegate Plaskett’s willingness to receive instructions on official congressional proceedings from Epstein… is especially alarming and inappropriate,” the resolution states, highlighting her role on the House Intelligence Committee and former work at the DOJ.
“This was not casual contact,” Norman added. “These were deliberate communications that shaped part of a hearing designed to attack President Trump. It raises serious questions about judgment, integrity, and fitness to serve.”
Plaskett’s defense — that she didn’t know Epstein was under investigation — comes despite his widely known criminal history, including his 2008 conviction. The incident underscores how deeply Epstein remained embedded within Democratic political networks, even years after being exposed as a predator.
The House is expected to take up the censure resolution later this week.