E. Jean Carroll, the former magazine columnist whose civil lawsuits against President Trump resulted in a significant jury verdict, has become the target of a federal criminal investigation, according to multiple reports.
The investigation centers on whether Carroll committed perjury during testimony provided as part of her two civil lawsuits against Trump. Federal prosecutors are examining statements Carroll made under oath regarding the funding sources for her legal battles.
Carroll originally sued Trump claiming he sexually abused her during an encounter in the 1990s at a New York City department store. She filed a second lawsuit in 2019 for defamation after Trump denied the alleged assault, stating she was not his type and accusing her of fabricating the story to promote her book.
The civil cases culminated in a 2023 trial where a New York jury found Trump liable for defaming Carroll and sexually abusing her, though the jury did not find him liable for rape. Carroll was awarded $5 Million in damages. Trump subsequently appealed for a new trial, but that appeal was denied.
According to CNN, which first reported the criminal investigation, prosecutors believe Carroll may have committed perjury in a 2022 deposition when she stated she did not receive outside funding for her lawsuit. Subsequent news reports indicated that billionaire Reid Hoffman paid some of her legal fees and expenses, contradicting her sworn testimony.
The investigation represents a significant development in a case that has already generated substantial legal and political attention. Perjury charges, if filed, would transform Carroll from a successful civil plaintiff into a criminal defendant facing potential federal prosecution.
Representatives for Carroll have not responded to requests for comment regarding the investigation. The Department of Justice has not publicly confirmed the investigation or provided details about its scope or timeline.
