The Justice Department is reportedly investigating E. Jean Carroll, who previously won civil judgments against President Donald Trump for alleged sexual assault incidents in the 1990s.
Federal prosecutors are examining whether Carroll committed perjury during her testimony in relation to her lawsuits against Trump. This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago.
Reports indicate that investigators are scrutinizing Carroll’s statements from a 2022 deposition. During this session, she claimed there was no outside financial support for her legal challenges against Trump. However, it was later revealed that a nonprofit associated with Reid Hoffman, a significant Democratic contributor, had provided some financial aid for her legal expenses.
The initiation of a criminal investigation does not guarantee that formal charges will be filed.
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CNN first indicated the investigation Wednesday evening, citing multiple insiders.
Carroll has accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a Manhattan department store dressing room during the mid-1990s. Trump has consistently denied these claims, asserting he does not know Carroll.
A New York jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation in 2023, awarding Carroll $5 million in damages. Another jury in 2024 ordered him to pay Carroll $83.3 million in a separate defamation case regarding comments he made while denying her allegations. Trump is appealing both decisions.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has reportedly stepped back from the investigation due to his previous representation of Trump in connection with Carroll’s lawsuits.
As of Wednesday night, Carroll’s legal team had not released any public statements regarding the ongoing investigation.
