The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a criminal investigation into writer E. Jean Carroll, who successfully sued former President Donald Trump for defamation and sexual assault, according to reports from CBS News. The probe is reportedly examining whether Carroll committed perjury during civil proceedings related to her lawsuits against Trump.
Background of the Lawsuits
E. Jean Carroll, a former magazine columnist, accused Donald Trump of sexual assault in the mid-1990s and subsequently filed civil suits for sexual abuse and defamation. Trump has consistently denied these allegations.
In 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexual assault and defamation. He was ordered to pay $5 million to Carroll. This judgment was later upheld on appeal.
A second defamation judgment against Trump in 2024 awarded Carroll $83 million. This case stemmed from comments Trump made in 2019, accusing Carroll of fabricating her claims to promote her book.
Trump has appealed the first judgment to the U.S. Supreme Court and has indicated his intention to challenge the second verdict as well.
Focus of the Criminal Investigation
The core of the DOJ’s criminal investigation centers on Carroll’s statements made during a 2022 deposition. Specifically, investigators are looking into whether she lied about receiving outside funding for her legal battles against Trump.
Legal filings from Trump’s lawyers in 2023 revealed that Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, had contributed to Carroll’s legal fees and expenses.
This issue was raised during the appeal of the first case. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit noted in a 2024 ruling that Carroll had “plausibly represented” in her deposition that she had forgotten about limited outside funding secured by her counsel.
The appellate court further stated that additional discovery demonstrated Carroll was not involved in decisions regarding the funding of her litigation costs.
Investigative Details and Potential Conflicts
Sources indicate that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois is leading the new criminal inquiry. CNN, which initially reported the story, suggested the investigation might be linked to Reid Hoffman’s non-profit organization being based in Chicago, despite Carroll’s deposition taking place in New York.
Todd Blanche, who represented Trump in the appeals against Carroll and is now the Acting U.S. Attorney General, has reportedly recused himself from this case due to a potential conflict of interest.
Broader Context and Political Undertones
The DOJ’s action occurs amidst a period where former President Trump has frequently called for the prosecution of his political adversaries since returning to public life.
This development also follows the DOJ’s recent establishment of a $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate individuals who were allegedly investigated unfairly during previous presidential administrations. This fund has faced criticism from some members of Trump’s own Republican Party, who share concerns with Democrats.
Critics have raised particular issues regarding potential compensation for those involved in the January 6th Capitol attack who assaulted police officers.
Implications and Future Outlook
The initiation of a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll introduces a new legal dimension to the prolonged disputes between her and Donald Trump. The outcome could have significant implications for Carroll, potentially impacting her credibility and facing legal repercussions if found to have committed perjury.
For the legal industry, this case highlights the complexities of campaign finance, legal fee funding, and the potential for such arrangements to become central to criminal investigations. It also underscores the intense scrutiny applied to statements made under oath in high-profile civil litigation.
Moving forward, attention will be focused on the evidence presented by the DOJ and the defense mounted by Carroll. The findings of this investigation could set precedents for how similar financial arrangements in litigation are handled and potentially influence future legal challenges and public trust in the justice system.
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