The Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll, the writer who accused former President Donald Trump of sexual assault. The probe focuses on whether Carroll committed perjury during her civil lawsuits against Trump, where she claimed she received no outside funding for her legal fees. However, it was later revealed that billionaire Reid Hoffman had paid some of her expenses.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The DOJ investigation, led by U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros for the Northern District of Illinois, examines a 2022 deposition where Carroll stated no one else was paying her legal fees. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche recused himself due to his prior representation of Trump in the case. Carroll won a $5 million judgment against Trump in May 2023 after a federal jury found him liable for sexually assaulting her in the 1990s and defaming her.
Deeper Dive & Context
Legal Background
Carroll's civil lawsuit against Trump stemmed from allegations of sexual assault in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room. Trump has since appealed the verdict, asking the Supreme Court to overturn it. He has also pledged to challenge an $83 million defamation award Carroll won in a separate case.
DOJ's Role and Recusal
Blanche's recusal highlights potential conflicts of interest, as he previously represented Trump in the Carroll case. The investigation is part of a broader trend of DOJ probes into political adversaries of Trump, some of which have faced legal hurdles.
Reactions and Next Steps
The DOJ declined to comment on the investigation, and Carroll's attorneys have not responded to requests for comment. The probe remains ongoing, with no public timeline for its conclusion.