The Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into E Jean Carroll, the author who accused President Donald Trump of sexually assaulting her in the mid-1990s, according to multiple reports. The probe is focused on whether Carroll committed perjury during her civil lawsuits against Trump, specifically examining statements she made in a 2022 deposition where she claimed she received no outside funding for her legal expenses.
Key Takeaways
The Justice Department is investigating whether E Jean Carroll committed perjury during her civil lawsuits against President Trump. The probe focuses on her 2022 deposition where she claimed no outside funding for her legal expenses, later contradicted by evidence that billionaire Reid Hoffman funded some costs.
- DOJ investigates Carroll over alleged perjury in Trump lawsuits
- Probe stems from discrepancy in 2022 deposition about external funding
- Billionaire Reid Hoffman revealed as partial funder of Carroll's legal fees
- Two juries found Trump liable for sexual assault and defamation, awarding $83.3 million in damages
According to The Guardian, the investigation centers around Carroll's testimony that she did not accept external financial support. However, it was later revealed that billionaire Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, had paid some of her legal fees and expenses. This discrepancy has raised questions about potential perjury.
Carroll sued Trump in two civil lawsuits, accusing him of sexual assault and defamation. In 2023, a jury found Trump liable for both counts, awarding Carroll $5 million in damages. A second jury in 2024 awarded her an additional $83.3 million in damages for defamation related to comments Trump made about her in 2019. Both judgments were upheld on appeal.
The investigation is being led by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois, as reported by CBS News. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has recused himself from the case due to his previous role representing Trump in some of the litigation. The Justice Department and Carroll's legal representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment.
The probe is part of a broader pattern of the Trump administration launching criminal investigations into political opponents, according to The Guardian. Federal prosecutors have also investigated former FBI chief James Comey, New York attorney general Letitia James, and Democratic members of Congress including Adam Schiff and Ilhan Omar. However, these investigations have not yet resulted in convictions.
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