The U.S. Department of Justice has reportedly launched a criminal investigation involving writer E. Jean Carroll, who previously won two civil judgments against President Donald Trump in cases stemming from sexual assault allegations dating back to the 1990s. The development has drawn renewed attention to the long-running legal dispute between the two parties.
According to multiple reports, federal prosecutors are reviewing whether Carroll may have made false statements during testimony connected to her civil lawsuits. The inquiry is reportedly being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago, though officials have not publicly confirmed details of the investigation.
Sources cited in the reports say the focus includes a 2022 deposition in which Carroll stated that no outside group was funding her legal efforts against Trump. However, later disclosures indicated that some legal expenses were supported by a nonprofit connected to LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, a prominent Democratic donor.
Officials have emphasized that the existence of an investigation does not necessarily mean charges will be filed. The case remains in the early stages, and prosecutors have not announced any formal allegations or court actions.
Carroll originally accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a Manhattan department store in the mid-1990s, an allegation Trump has repeatedly denied. He has also maintained that he never met Carroll and has consistently challenged her claims in court.
In earlier rulings, a New York jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll $5 million in 2023, followed by an additional $83.3 million in a separate defamation case in 2024. Trump has appealed both decisions, and the legal battles remain ongoing.
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Benjamin Harris is a RapidReports front page contributor and editor,proud father of four.
