In 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexually assaulting and defaming E. Jean Carroll, awarding her damages|@ejeancaroll1|Instagram
The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused President Donald Trump of sexually assaulting her in the mid-1990s.
The probe, led by the US Attorney’s Office in Chicago, is examining whether Carroll gave false testimony during two civil lawsuits she won against Trump. Officials have not confirmed whether charges will be filed.
Prosecutors are reportedly focusing on Carroll’s 2022 statement that she did not receive outside funding for her lawsuits. Her lawyers later revealed that LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman helped cover some legal expenses. He is a Trump critic.
In 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexually assaulting and defaming Carroll, awarding her damages. Another jury in 2024 ordered Trump to pay $83.3 million in a separate defamation case.
Trump has denied all allegations and continues to challenge the rulings in court.