The Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into E. Jean Carroll, the advice columnist who accused former President Donald Trump of sexual assault, to determine if she committed perjury during civil litigation against him. This inquiry is centered on whether Carroll lied about the funding of her legal fees, according to a source familiar with the situation.

Investigation Details

The investigation is being conducted by federal prosecutors in Chicago. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s personal attorney, is not involved in the case. Carroll’s attorney has declined to comment on the matter.

This development follows a series of investigations by the Justice Department into individuals perceived as adversaries of Trump, raising concerns among Democrats and former officials about the potential politicization of the department.

Background on Carroll’s Allegations

Carroll accused Trump of assaulting her in a New York department store in 1996, a claim he has vehemently denied, labeling it a “made-up scam.” In 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll and defaming her, awarding her $5 million. A subsequent jury awarded her $83.3 million in a related defamation case.

Focus on Legal Funding

The DOJ’s current focus is on Carroll’s statement during the civil litigation that no one else was paying her legal fees. It was later revealed that a Chicago-based organization, supported by LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, had helped fund her case. Trump’s lawyers argued that this undisclosed funding questioned the political motivations behind Carroll’s lawsuit.

Carroll explained that she had forgotten about the “limited outside funding” when initially questioned. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the jury’s award, noting Carroll’s lack of involvement in her litigation’s funding details.

Hoffman defended his financial assistance, emphasizing his commitment to supporting women and opposing Trump.

Legal Proceedings Continue

Currently, Trump is not required to pay the awarded amount until the U.S. Supreme Court reviews or rejects an appeal. He has posted a $7.4 million bond to cover potential interest costs, as requested by Carroll’s attorney.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.