Who is Stacey Plaskett and what is her link to Epstein? Explained amid censure row over texts

House Freedom Caucus’s bid to censure Rep. Stacey Plaskett over texts with Epstein failed 213–214; her office says she only replied amid partisan attacks.

Updated on: Nov 19, 2025, 08:25:28 IST

By Shamik Banerjee

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On Tuesday, the GOP-led Freedom Caucus at the US House of Representatives filed a motion to censure Democratic House Rep Stacey Plaskett over her links to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The vote on the motion- rejected by the House with 213 in favor and 214 against- came after the House voted unanimously to force a release of the Epstein files.

Representative Stacey Plaskett. (US Congress)

Plaskett was attacked by the House GOP after the recently released emails of the convicted sex trafficker showed that he spoke to Epstein during a Congressional hearing in 2019, the Washington Post reported. After the report, a spokesperson from Plaskett acknowledged that she was indeed texting Epstein, but she was just responding to "partisan vitriol."

“During the hearing, Congresswoman Plaskett received texts from staff, constituents and the public at large offering advice, support and in some cases partisan vitriol, including from Epstein,” a statement from her spokesperson to CNN read.

“As a former prosecutor, she welcomes information that helps her get at the truth and took on the GOP that was trying to bury the truth.

Plaskett represents the US Virgin Islands in Congress as a non-voting delegate.

What Is Stacey Plaskett's Link To Epstein?

Representing the US Virgin Islands, Stacey Plaskett was the representative of Epstein, as the infamous Epstein Island, where the convicted sex offender lived fell under her jurisdiction. The emails released by the House Oversight Committee showed what appeared to be multiple exchanges between her and Jeffrey Epstein till 2019, the year he was killed.

Though the released emails do not confirm that they are from the Democratic House Rep, the Washington Post confirmed matching the texts with the corresponding Congressional hearing in 2019, that Plaskett was indeed texting Epstein.

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In emails, there seem to be multiple exchanges between what appears to be Rep. Plaskett and Epstein. It reveals that Plaskett allegedly travelled to Epstein's residence multiple times seeking donations for her campaign.

The House is expected to again take up the censure motion later this week.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shamik Banerjee
Shamik is a journalist covering the United States for Hindustan Times. He has more than four years of experience reporting on US politics, sports, and major breaking stories across fast-moving cycles. He previously worked at Times Now and Sportskeeda, building strong newsroom instincts and digital storytelling skills. At HT.com, he focuses on day-to-day coverage of US political developments while also handling high-impact stories that demand speed, accuracy, clarity, and context under pressure. Shamik has extensive experience covering NFL game days over the past two years, coordinating live updates, analysis, and explainers. He is particularly drawn to large news moments such as US elections and the Super Bowl, where he thrives at the news desk working alongside the team. He holds degrees in Media Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia and English Literature from Jadavpur University. Before entering journalism, he briefly worked in digital marketing and political consultancy roles. Currently a Senior Content Producer at HT Digital, he is driven by curiosity, discipline, and a constant desire to explore new and obscure topics. Outside work, he enjoys reading, films, sports, and learning continuously.Read More

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