The House Freedom Caucus introduced a resolution Tuesday to remove U.S. Virgin Islands Delegate Stacey Plaskett from the House Intelligence Committee. The move follows explosive revelations that Plaskett was “actively coached” by Jeffrey Epstein during a 2019 congressional hearing. The late billionaire, convicted of sex crimes involving minors, allegedly advised Plaskett on how to question Michael Cohen, former attorney to President Trump.
Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina led the effort, introducing the resolution as the House debated a bill to declassify more information related to Epstein. Recently released documents from the House Oversight Committee include emails and texts showing Epstein’s influence over Plaskett’s official duties.
Plaskett had accepted campaign donations from Epstein during the 2016 and 2018 election cycles, years after his conviction. Though she initially defended keeping the contributions, she later announced she would donate an equivalent amount to organizations in the Virgin Islands. Epstein owned a private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands and was charged with federal sex trafficking crimes shortly before his death in 2019.
The resolution from the Freedom Caucus highlights Plaskett’s long-standing political and personal connections to Epstein. It describes her association as deeply inappropriate, particularly given her past service in the Department of Justice and current role on the Intelligence Committee. The resolution declares that her collaboration with Epstein compromises her judgment, integrity, and fitness to serve in a role that requires access to classified intelligence.
The resolution concludes with a call for Plaskett’s immediate removal from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. It underscores the need for strict ethical standards for lawmakers, especially those overseeing the nation’s most sensitive security matters.
