Politics
NEW: GOP Rep. Introduces Resolution To Censure, Investigate Dem Colleague Who Coordinated With Epstein
U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) has introduced a resolution to censure and investigate the conduct of Stacey Plaskett, delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from the at-large district representing the Virgin Islands, over text messages she sent to notorious sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein in an effort to dig up “dirt” on President Donald Trump.
Fresh controversy surrounding Plaskett erupted last week when newly released documents from Epstein’s estate revealed that she exchanged real-time text messages with the convicted sex offender during a February 27, 2019 congressional hearing, when lawmakers heard testimony from former Trump attorney Michael Cohen. The hearing focused on allegations that would largely form the basis of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s criminal trial against the president over “hush money” payments.
Plaskett, a vocal critic of Trump, was actively participating in questioning witnesses when Epstein — with whom she had known professionally and personally since before his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor — began texting her suggestions that appeared to influence her line of inquiry.
Epstein texted Plaskett about Cohen’s testimony, noting at one point, “Cohen brought up RONA – keeper of the secrets,” referring to Rhona Graff, Trump’s longtime executive assistant. Plaskett responded seeking clarification, asking “RONA??” and then, “Quick I’m up next is that an acronym,” to which Epstein replied, “Thats his assistant.”
Moments later, at 2:28 p.m., Plaskett questioned Cohen directly about Graff and other Trump Organization figures during her questioning period. Aligning closely with the timestamps of the exchange; Epstein followed up at 2:34 p.m. with “Good work,” shortly after her questioning concluded.
Following the revelations, Rep. Norman introduced a censure resolution accusing Plaskett of “inappropriate coordination” with Epstein, a “convicted felony sex offender,” by receiving real-time instructions on congressional proceedings. The resolution details her “extensive” post-2008 connections to Epstein and calls for her removal from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
“Jeffrey Epstein was a predator who exploited minors. The idea that any Member of Congress would coordinate with him on official proceedings is beyond comprehension,” said Congressman Norman. “This was not casual contact. 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.”
GOP lawmakers have produced timestamps detailing when the messages were sent and how they lined up with Plaskett’s line of questioning
Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to two charges, procuring a minor for prostitution and solicitation of prostitution, and was later charged federally in 2019 for sex trafficking of minors. His criminal history was well-known long before the 2019 congressional hearing in question.
“Members of Congress owe the American people honesty and ethical conduct,” Norman continued. “No one who turns to a convicted predator for input on how to conduct official business, especially in a congressional hearing, should sit on the Intelligence Committee or any committee, for that matter. This is about restoring trust in an institution that desperately needs it.”
In addition to censuring Rep. Plaskett and calling for her to be stripped of committee assignments, the resolution directs the House Ethics Committee to fully investigate the extent of her relationship and any additional improprieties.
Plaskett maintained a well-documented professional and social relationship with Epstein that spanned years, rooted in his significant property holdings in her district and his efforts to cultivate political influence there. Epstein owned Little Saint James and Great Saint James in the Virgin Islands, where much of his alleged sex-trafficking operations occurred, and he actively donated to local politicians, including Plaskett.
The non-voting congresswoman has long maintained that her relationships were purely business-orientated.
