>> Continued From the Previous Page <<
“That’s the question every American is asking. Not every American, but so many Americans are asking. What the hell is [Donald Trump] hiding? Why didin’t he want them released?” Schumer said.
The remark immediately raised eyebrows, as critics pointed out that Democrats, including President Joe Biden, held full control of the federal government for years yet never moved to release the controversial files. Schumer’s comments only amplified accusations of hypocrisy and deflection.
At the same time, newly surfaced Justice Department records are fueling fresh concerns about Epstein’s political reach — particularly within Democratic circles. According to the documents, a friend of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ sole congressional representative contacted Epstein in an attempt to arrange a meeting with Schumer.
The outreach was reportedly made on behalf of Stacey Plaskett, who was seeking Schumer’s help after devastating hurricanes struck the Caribbean in 2017.
“We have to help Stacey get a meeting with Schumer. Any thoughts?” Erika Kellerhals, a tax lawyer in the US Virgin Islands, wrote to Epstein in an email on January 24, 2018.
Epstein responded quickly.
“[S]hould not be a problem need to know the reason and subject,” Epstein wrote back a few hours later.
Kellerhals followed up by expressing concern that the Virgin Islands were being overlooked.
“She has been unable to confirm a meeting with him. He is driving the disaster relief bill and has only been talking about Puerto Rico and not the [Virgin Islands]. She’s concerned we will be ignored,” Kellerhals told Epstein.
After that exchange, Epstein escalated the effort by contacting Kathy Ruemmler, a former top legal advisor to President Barack Obama and now chief legal officer at Goldman Sachs.
“schumer is driving the puerto rico . virgin islands relief=bill. the VI congressional rep Stacey plaskett , h=s not been able to get a meeting. confirmed with him. ca= you help?” Epstein wrote.
Ruemmler replied cautiously.
“I do not have any relations=ip with him, but let me see whether I can get to his COS,” she said, referring to Schumer’s chief of staff.
Beyond meetings and back-channel influence, records also reveal that Democratic fundraisers continued soliciting Epstein years after his 2008 sex crime conviction. According to The Washington Times, political fundraising firm Dynamic SRG repeatedly reached out to Epstein on behalf of high-profile Democrats.
In September 2012, Epstein was invited to a “Schumer Senate Candidate Reception” to support then-Rep. Martin Heinrich’s Senate run. Fundraisers emphasized the event’s importance for maintaining Democratic control of the Senate and aiding Obama’s reelection.
The outreach didn’t stop there. Epstein was also approached to support New York Democrats including Gov. Kathy Hochul and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.
In May 2013, Epstein was invited to a fundraising dinner with President Obama on behalf of Hakeem Jeffries. In the invitation, Jeffries was described as “one of the rising stars” of New York politics and “Brooklyn’s Barack.”
Later that year, additional fundraising inquiries tied to Jeffries surfaced. While Jeffries has publicly stated that he was unaware of the outreach and never met Epstein, the records confirm efforts were made in his name. Federal Election Commission filings show Epstein ultimately did not donate to Jeffries’ campaign.
Still, as recently as July 2017, Epstein was invited to a dinner and meet-and-greet with Jeffries in St. Thomas.
As Democrats attempt to deflect attention toward Republicans, these revelations continue to raise uncomfortable questions. Schumer’s comments may have been meant as a political attack, but instead they reopened a controversy many Americans believe Washington’s elite would rather keep buried — and they are still waiting for answers.
