A surprising twist has surfaced in the latest batch of documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein: Democratic Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett was quietly messaging the convicted sex offender while she was questioning Michael Cohen during a high-profile hearing in early 2019.
The messages, uncovered in files recently released from Epstein’s estate, reveal an unexpected back-and-forth between the two right as Cohen — Trump’s former fixer — was testifying live on television.
A Name Behind the Redactions
The Washington Post confirmed that Plaskett, the delegate representing the US Virgin Islands, was the unnamed lawmaker whose identity had previously been blacked out in the documents.
Her office later acknowledged the report, setting off an immediate wave of questions about how and why those conversations happened.
At the time, Cohen was delivering explosive accusations about Donald Trump — alleging that the former president made racist comments, manipulated financial statements, and approved hush-money payments to cover up affairs.
Trump denied everything. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the public, Epstein appeared to be weighing in on what Plaskett might ask.
Epstein’s Input During a Nationally Televised Hearing
Hours before Plaskett took her seat on the dais, she reached out to Epstein with the comment, “He’ll talk about his grades.”
Epstein shot back almost instantly: “What privilege stands behind the none release of college transcripts?” When the hearing went live, he added another observation: “You look great.”
Epstein even commented on Plaskett’s mannerisms.
When cameras briefly cut to her and she appeared to be chewing, he texted, “Are you chewing?”
She admitted she had been, explaining, “Chewing interior of my mouth. Bad habit from middle school.”
It didn’t stop there.
Two hours before her turn to question Cohen, Epstein wrote, “He’s opened the door to questions re who are the other henchmen at Trump org.”
Plaskett replied that she knew and was “awaiting my turn.”
A Scramble Right Before Her Turn
As the hearing dragged on, Epstein followed along closely.
When Cohen mentioned Trump aide Rhona Graff, Epstein texted, “Cohen brought up RONA — keeper of the secrets.”
Plaskett, apparently confused in the moment and preparing to speak next, replied in a rush: “RONA?? quick I’m up next is that an acronym?” Epstein clarified, simply: “That’s his assistant.”
Her message — “I’m up next” — came at 2:25 p.m. She began speaking at 2:28 p.m.
Questions on the Floor Reflect Texts Behind the Scenes
When her turn arrived, Plaskett pressed Cohen on exactly the subjects Epstein had flagged.
She asked whether there were more Trump associates the committee should speak with — echoing the “henchmen” reference.
Cohen named Allen Weisselberg, Trump’s longtime chief financial officer.
Plaskett pushed further, following up on Epstein’s earlier text about Graff: “Is Ms. Rhona — what is Ms. Rhona’s?” Cohen explained that Graff had worked beside Trump for years and had been deeply involved in his affairs.
By the time Plaskett was wrapping up her questioning, Epstein sent one last message: “Good work.” The timestamp was 2:34 p.m.
A Known Sex Offender Behind the Messages
At the time of these exchanges, Epstein was already a convicted sex offender, having pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Months after his texts with Plaskett, he would be arrested again — this time on federal sex-trafficking charges in July 2019.
He was found dead in a Manhattan jail cell that August, in what was ruled a suicide.
Plaskett’s Response After the Revelations
In a statement following the new disclosures, Plaskett’s office said she received a flood of texts during the hearing from staff, constituents, and members of the public — including Epstein — some offering moral support, others political criticism.
They described her as someone who “welcomes information” that helps uncover the truth, insisting she was focused on confronting Republican attempts to shield Trump.
The statement emphasized her long-standing record opposing sexual violence and human trafficking, her disgust toward Epstein’s actions, and her support for his victims.
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