The Justice Department has reportedly launched a criminal investigation into writer E. Jean Carroll, the woman who won two civil judgments against President Donald Trump stemming from allegations that he sexually assaulted her in the 1990s.
Multiple outlets reported Wednesday that federal prosecutors are examining whether Carroll committed perjury during testimony connected to her lawsuits against Trump. The probe is reportedly being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago.
According to the reports, investigators are focused on statements Carroll made during a 2022 deposition in which she said no outside party was funding her legal battle against Trump. Attorneys later disclosed that some legal expenses had been supported through a nonprofit tied to LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, a major Democratic donor.
The opening of a criminal investigation does not mean charges will be filed.
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CNN first reported the investigation Wednesday evening, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter.
Carroll accused Trump of sexually assaulting her inside a Manhattan department store dressing room in the mid-1990s. Trump has repeatedly denied the allegations and said he never met Carroll.
In 2023, a New York jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation and awarded Carroll $5 million in damages. A separate jury in 2024 ordered Trump to pay Carroll $83.3 million in a second defamation case tied to remarks he made while denying her claims. Trump has appealed both rulings.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has reportedly recused himself from the investigation because he previously represented Trump in matters connected to Carroll’s lawsuits.
Carroll’s legal team had not publicly commented on the investigation as of Wednesday night.
