The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll, a former magazine writer, to determine whether she committed perjury during her testimony in lawsuits involving allegations against President Donald Trump. This development comes as part of ongoing legal battles between Carroll and Trump, with the focus on her statements regarding the funding of her legal fees.

Background on the Allegations

Carroll accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a New York department store in the mid-1990s. In 2023, a jury awarded her $5 million in damages after finding Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation. The following year, Carroll won an additional $83 million in a defamation case. Trump has consistently denied the allegations, claiming he did not know Carroll and labeling her accusations as a ‘hoax.’

Details of the Investigation

The investigation, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, is examining Carroll’s statements about how her civil suit against Trump was funded. During the trials, questions arose about her claim that no external parties helped pay her legal fees. It was later revealed that a nonprofit backed by Democratic donor Reid Hoffman provided some funding in 2020. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had previously found that Carroll was not involved in the funding details and likely forgot about the initial mention of it by her attorneys.

Legal Proceedings and Political Context

Trump is seeking Supreme Court intervention in both cases, and the White House has deferred questions about the investigation to the DOJ. The appeals court recently rejected Trump’s attempt to have the defamation case reheard, maintaining the stance that presidential immunity does not apply. The DOJ’s probe is seen as part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to address perceived political adversaries, including previous attempts to prosecute figures like former FBI Director James Comey.

Carroll’s legal team has not yet commented on the investigation. The case continues to unfold as both parties await potential Supreme Court involvement.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.