The Department of Justice has initiated a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll, the former magazine writer who accused former President Donald Trump of sexual assault. This investigation centers on whether Carroll committed perjury by claiming she had no external funding for her lawsuit against Trump.

Background of the Case

Carroll had previously filed civil lawsuits against Trump, alleging sexual abuse and defamation. She was awarded $83 million in a defamation case in September 2025 and $5 million in May 2023 for the sexual abuse suit. The new investigation was first reported by CNN, which revealed that billionaire Reid Hoffman had paid some of Carroll’s legal fees and expenses, contradicting her earlier statements.

Details of the Investigation

The investigation is being led by U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Andrew Boutros, after Attorney General Todd Blanche recused himself due to his previous role as one of Trump’s attorneys in appeals related to Carroll’s civil suits. Carroll’s accusations against Trump became public in 2019 with the release of her memoir, where she alleged that Trump sexually assaulted her in a Manhattan dressing room in 1996. The second lawsuit, which an appellate court recently upheld, focused on Trump’s attacks on her character following the public revelation of her accusations.

Carroll has not responded to media requests for comment, and the DOJ has declined to provide further information. This investigation adds another layer to the complex legal battles surrounding the former president and his accuser.

Original reporting: WQAD (Quad Cities) — read the source article.