The Justice Department has launched an investigation into E. Jean Carroll’s testimony in her civil lawsuit against former President Donald Trump. This inquiry seeks to determine whether Carroll, an advice columnist who accused Trump of sexual assault in a department store three decades ago, committed perjury.
According to an anonymous source familiar with the case, federal prosecutors in Chicago are spearheading the investigation. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is not involved due to his previous work with Trump as a personal attorney. Carroll’s legal team has not commented on the matter.
This investigation adds to a series of legal actions initiated by the Justice Department against individuals perceived as adversaries by Trump. Concerns have been raised by Democrats and former officials about the potential politicization of the department, which is traditionally expected to operate independently from the White House. Notably, the department recently secured an indictment against former FBI Director James Comey.
Carroll alleges that her 1996 encounter with Trump at Bergdorf Goodman in Manhattan turned violent, claiming he forced himself upon her. Trump has dismissed these claims as fabricated, suggesting that they are politically motivated or intended to boost Carroll’s memoir sales.
In 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll, awarding her $5 million. The following year, another jury granted Carroll an additional $83.3 million in a defamation case linked to Trump’s social media comments.
The Justice Department is examining Carroll’s statement during the civil litigation that no external parties were funding her legal expenses. It was later revealed that Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn’s co-founder, supported Carroll’s case through a Chicago-based organization. Trump’s legal team has argued that this information casts doubt on the lawsuit’s motivations.
Prior to the 2023 trial, Trump’s then-lawyer Alina Habba attempted to delay proceedings, citing the financial backing from Hoffman as raising questions about Carroll’s credibility and motives. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the jury’s $5 million award, addressing Trump’s claims against Carroll’s credibility. Carroll explained she had forgotten about the “limited outside funding” from September 2020 when questioned in 2022.
The appeals court noted Carroll was not directly involved in her litigation’s funding details. Hoffman defended his support, emphasizing his commitment to backing women in their pursuit of justice and progress against threats like Trump.
A recent court decision allows Trump to delay the payment to Carroll until the U.S. Supreme Court reviews or rejects the case appeal. Trump must, however, post a $7.4 million bond to cover potential interest costs, as requested by Carroll’s attorney.
The details of the investigation were first reported by CNN.
