House Democrat Named Repeatedly in Newly Released Epstein Files

Freshly released records tied to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein have revealed extensive and ongoing interactions between Epstein and a Democratic member of Congress—raising renewed concerns about judgment, transparency, and accountability inside the halls of power.

The lawmaker at the center of the disclosures is Stacey Plaskett, the Democratic delegate from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Plaskett previously drew scrutiny after it emerged that she exchanged text messages with Jeffrey Epstein during a public congressional hearing. The latest document release shows those communications were neither isolated nor insignificant.

According to emails from 2014—years after Epstein’s Florida conviction for sex crimes—Plaskett coordinated plans to visit Epstein’s private island. Political outlet NOTUS reported that an Epstein assistant emailed Plaskett asking, “Will you be able to meet with Jeffrey on his island on Monday Aug. 18th at 11 am?”

The files further indicate that Plaskett reconnected with Epstein in 2016 and 2017. Epstein assistant Lesley Groff arranged a scheduled phone call—described as a “phone date”—between the two. In one 2016 message, Groff wrote that “Jeffrey has tried for you a few times on your cell but has been unsuccessful,” encouraging Plaskett to return the call.

Her response came swiftly.

“Thanks. Spoke with him,” Plaskett replied just five minutes later.

The relationship extended into political fundraising. Newly unsealed records show Plaskett reaching out to Epstein for campaign donations in both 2017 and 2018. In a September 2018 exchange cited by the New York Post, Plaskett texted Epstein: “I know you’re tremendously busy. Thanks so much for taking time and sharing ideas and thoughts. I appreciate your support and hope I’m not presumptuous to consider you a friend.”

Epstein responded, “Privileged to be called friend [sic].”

Additional messages underscore the familiarity. On May 13, 2019, Epstein sent Plaskett birthday wishes. When she asked how he knew the date, Epstein replied, “You told me when you were in my office.” Plaskett answered, “You’re good.”

Epstein replied, “No I’m bad, but I’m thoughtful.”

The Washington Post previously reported that Epstein also texted Plaskett during a February 2019 House hearing—one in which she was visibly on camera. “Great outfit,” he wrote.

Moments later, the exchange continued.

“You look great,” Epstein texted at 10:22 a.m.
“Thanks!” Plaskett replied.

As the hearing progressed, Epstein commented on her on-screen behavior, asking, “Are you chewing[?]”

“Not any more,” Plaskett responded. “Chewing interior of my mouth. Bad habit from middle school.”

After Plaskett concluded her questioning of former Trump attorney Michael Cohen, Epstein sent another message: “Good work.”

Despite mounting revelations, an effort to formally censure Plaskett failed last November. The proposal was introduced by Rep. Ralph Norman, who argued the issue went beyond partisan politics and straight to institutional integrity.

“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,” Norman said, according to Newsweek.

As more Epstein-related records become public, these revelations are fueling renewed debate over elite accountability—and whether Washington applies the same standards to its own that it demands of everyone else.