Overview
- During debate over a censure resolution, Rep. Jasmine Crockett said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin took money from someone named Jeffrey Epstein and listed several other recipients.
- Zeldin responded on X that the donor to his past campaign was Dr. Jeffrey Epstein, stressing that he is unrelated to the late convicted sex offender.
- Federal Election Commission filings show the physician donated $750 on April 24, 2020, and $250 on Aug. 31, 2020, to Zeldin’s congressional campaign.
- Records also show a donor named Jeffrey Epstein, identified as a self‑employed physician, made two $250 contributions to Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential bid, indicating the same‑name issue extends beyond Zeldin.
- The flap unfolded as Epstein-related scrutiny escalated in Congress, with the House Oversight Committee’s document release prompting a failed censure of Del. Stacey Plaskett and the House passing the Epstein Files Transparency Act in a 427–1 vote.