Stacey Plaskett Defends Epstein Texts as Information Gathering

Delegate Stacey Plaskett faced a major congressional challenge. The House voted on a censure resolution against her. This followed the release of her 2019 text messages with Jeffrey Epstein.

The vote occurred on November 18. It failed by a narrow margin of 214 to 209. This outcome keeps the Virgin Islands representative from formal reprimand.

Plaskett Defends Communications as “Information Gathering”

Plaskett has publicly defended her actions. She characterized the texts as part of her congressional work. According to CNN, she stated she was gathering information from a source.

She compared it to her past work as a prosecutor. Plaskett said she believed Epstein had relevant information. Her goal was to get that information to find the truth.

Her spokesperson reinforced this position. They noted Plaskett receives many texts during hearings. They also highlighted her record of combating sexual assault.

Opponents Point to Deeper Concerns and Power Dynamics

Critics see the situation differently. They suggest the texts indicate a problematic coordination. The New York Post reported on the content of the messages.

The messages showed Epstein giving real-time advice. This included guidance on questioning related to Trump. He also commented on her appearance during the hearing.

Opponents argue her justification is flawed. They note Epstein was a convicted sex offender at the time. This, they say, makes the power dynamic and communication inappropriate.

In a related move, the House passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act. It demands the public release of classified documents about Epstein. The vote was nearly unanimous.

The controversy highlights the complex ethics of information sources in congressional investigations. The Stacey Plaskett and Jeffrey Epstein text saga continues to fuel political debate.

Info at your fingertips

What was the vote count on the censure resolution?

The House rejected the censure resolution. The final vote was 214 against and 209 in favor. Three Republicans voted present.

What did Stacey Plaskett say about the texts?

Plaskett defended the messages as “information gathering.” She stated she treated Epstein as an informant, not a friend. This was part of her work on the House Oversight Committee.

What did the text messages with Jeffrey Epstein reveal?

The messages showed Epstein offering real-time advice during a hearing. This included guidance on questioning a witness. He also complimented Plaskett’s appearance.

What is the Epstein Files Transparency Act?

It is a bill passed by the House with a 427-1 vote. It requires the Justice Department to release Epstein-related documents. The Senate also approved the measure.

Why do opponents criticize Plaskett’s explanation?

Critics say her justification ignores Epstein’s status as a convicted sex offender. They argue the power dynamic made the communication inappropriate. They suggest it points to deeper ties.