The US Department of Justice has reportedly launched a criminal investigation into E Jean Carroll, the writer who successfully secured a $5 million civil judgement against Donald Trump earlier this year. A federal jury concluded that Trump had sexually assaulted Carroll in 1996 and subsequently defamed her in 2022 by denying the allegations. This latest investigation centres on claims of perjury regarding Carroll’s testimony in her civil lawsuits against the former president.
Investigation Focused on Perjury Allegations
According to anonymous sources cited by CNN, the investigation aims to determine whether Carroll provided false testimony during her depositions related to two lawsuits: one alleging sexual abuse and the other concerning defamation. The key point of contention lies in Carroll’s 2022 statement, wherein she asserted that she had not received external funding for her legal proceedings. However, her attorneys later disclosed that a nonprofit organisation, financially supported by Reid Hoffman—co-founder of LinkedIn—had indeed covered some of her legal expenses.
In light of this revelation, Carroll’s legal team informed the court and Trump’s lawyers ahead of the trial. The judge subsequently permitted Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, to conduct a follow-up deposition to clarify these funding matters.
Legal Battles and Ongoing Appeals
Carroll’s legal victories have been met with fierce resistance from Trump, who is currently appealing both the $5 million awarded for the sexual abuse case and an additional $83 million in the defamation case. His attempts to dismiss the awards have so far been unsuccessful. A federal appeals court in New York has already rejected claims that Carroll lied during her deposition in 2024. In their ruling, the judges noted that Carroll plausibly forgot about the limited external funding she had received, indicating that she had not discussed the matter with her attorneys for over two years prior to her deposition.
The investigation into Carroll’s testimony is being overseen by Andrew Boutros, the US Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, who was appointed by Trump. Notably, Boutros himself is currently facing scrutiny in an unrelated inquiry, raising questions about the integrity of the investigation.
The Broader Context of the Legal Proceedings
Carroll’s case has garnered significant public interest, particularly following the release of a documentary titled “Ask E Jean,” which features excerpts from her depositions with Trump’s legal team. The documentary premiered just last week in New York City, further spotlighting the ongoing legal saga. Carroll’s presence at the screening, alongside her attorney, Robbie Kaplan, underscores her commitment to bringing her story to light while navigating the complexities of the legal landscape.
Why it Matters
This unfolding investigation not only highlights the contentious nature of legal battles involving high-profile figures but also raises critical questions about the accountability of public figures and the legal system’s handling of sexual assault allegations. As the scrutiny around Carroll’s credibility intensifies, the implications for both her and Trump could be profound, impacting public perception and the broader discourse surrounding sexual harassment and justice in America.
