Criminal Investigation Launched into E. Jean Carroll's Testimony

The U.S. Justice Department has initiated a criminal investigation to determine if E. Jean Carroll perjured herself during her litigation against Donald Trump, focused on sexual abuse allegations. Carroll, a former magazine writer, accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a department store in the mid-1990s. In 2023, a jury awarded her $5 million after finding Trump liable for sexual abuse, along with a subsequent $83 million civil judgment for defamation.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing and claims to have no knowledge of Carroll. He is currently seeking intervention from the Supreme Court regarding both cases, while the White House has directed inquiries about the investigation to the Justice Department.

This investigation, now in its preliminary stages, is being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois. Reports suggest that the inquiry revolves around comments Carroll made regarding the funding of her civil suit, which Trump's lawyers had previously questioned. Carroll initially testified in 2022 that no one had assisted with her legal fees, though it was later revealed that a nonprofit backed by Reid Hoffman provided some funding in 2020. A 2024 ruling by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals clarified that Carroll was not aware of the funding details and had likely forgotten due to the passage of time since she was informed by her attorneys.

Recently, a federal appeals court dismissed Trump’s appeal to reconsider the defamation ruling, affirming that he had not presented sufficient grounds for reconsideration. Carroll has stated that Trump not only assaulted her but also damaged her reputation with false claims. Despite his denials, legal challenges continue, including the potential review of the case by the Supreme Court.