DOJ Launches Criminal Probe into E Jean Carroll

DOJ Opens Criminal Investigation into E Jean Carroll

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a criminal investigation into E Jean Carroll, the author who successfully brought defamation and sexual abuse lawsuits against former President Donald Trump. This development centers on sworn testimony Carroll provided regarding financial support for her legal battles.

Carroll was awarded $5 million in the first lawsuit in 2023 and later received an $83 million judgment in a second defamation case in 2024. Her accusations against Trump stem from an alleged sexual assault in the mid-1990s, claims that Trump has consistently denied.

Focus on Deposition Testimony

The crux of the DOJ's inquiry reportedly involves Carroll's deposition from 2022. During this sworn testimony, Carroll stated that she had not received any external funding to support her lawsuits against Trump. This statement is now under scrutiny following revelations that LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman contributed to her legal expenses.

Court documents, including those filed by Trump's legal team, indicated that Hoffman had provided financial assistance for Carroll's legal fees and associated costs. This information has prompted federal investigators to examine whether Carroll's deposition testimony constituted perjury.

Legal Scrutiny and Path Forward

Legal experts note that proving perjury, especially in the context of a civil case, presents significant challenges. The US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit had previously acknowledged that Carroll had "plausibly represented" during her deposition that she had forgotten about the limited outside funding secured by her counsel.

Furthermore, the appellate court's findings suggested that Carroll was not involved in the specifics of who was funding her litigation. The DOJ has not commented on the ongoing investigation, and representatives for E Jean Carroll have not yet issued a statement.

The investigation is being handled by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois. Notably, acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, who represented Trump in recent appeal proceedings, is recused from this matter due to potential conflicts of interest.