Jeffrey Epstein Texted US House Member During 2019 Michael Cohen Hearing
Newly surfaced documents from the estate of Jeffrey Epstein reveal provocative communications between the convicted sex offender and a member of Congress during a pivotal 2019 House hearing featuring Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s former attorney. These messages suggest that Epstein may have influenced the congressperson’s inquiries during the hearing.
Epstein’s Texts During Cohen Hearing
The documents, recently submitted to Congress, include transcripts that indicate Epstein was actively texting a lawmaker while Cohen was testifying. Although the specific lawmaker’s name is not directly mentioned, an analysis conducted by the Washington Post identifies Stacey Plaskett, a Democratic delegate from the US Virgin Islands, as the likely recipient of Epstein’s messages. The assessment was based on matching timestamps from the texts with the live video of the hearing.
Testimony Highlights
During the February 2019 hearing, Cohen testified before the House Oversight Committee, leveling accusations against Trump that included allegations of racism, financial impropriety, and efforts to silence negative publicity. Trump has fervently denied these claims.
- Epstein texted about “RONA” referring to Rhona Graff, a former assistant to Trump.
- Plaskett pressed Cohen on the identities of Trump’s associates during her questioning.
- Cohen confirmed Allen Weisselberg as the chief financial officer of The Trump Organization.
Congresswoman’s Response
Plaskett’s office has not provided a definitive comment regarding the nature of her interactions with Epstein during the hearing. Her chief of staff stated that she was unable to confirm or deny whether Plaskett was texting Epstein at that time.
The lengthy document release comprises over 20,000 pages and has brought fresh scrutiny to Epstein’s connections with powerful figures. Lawmakers allege that these messages, coupled with three newly revealed emails, may hint that Trump had a deeper awareness of Epstein’s illegal activities than he publicly acknowledged.
Innuendos and Observations
On the day of the hearing, Epstein notably texted, “Are you chewing?” just as visual coverage shifted to Plaskett, who appeared to be chewing. The response from his contact indicated a casual exchange continuing through the proceedings.
Notably, Plaskett made history as the first non-voting delegate to the House to serve as an impeachment manager in the Senate during Trump’s impeachment trial in early 2021. She represents the US Virgin Islands, a territory without voting representation in Congress.
The interactions illuminated by these documents underscore the opaque web of connections surrounding Epstein and suggest continued implications for political figures involved.
