Justice Department launches criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll over potential perjury in lawsuits against Donald Trump;

The Justice Department has initiated a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll regarding potential perjury linked to her civil lawsuits against Donald Trump, who was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation. This probe centers on Carroll's 2022 deposition, where she claimed no external financial aid for her legal fees.¹²³⁷⁸

The investigation examines discrepancies around funding statements Carroll made during her lawsuits. Carroll, 82, had asserted that she did not receive outside support, contradicting evidence that billionaire Reid Hoffman partially covered her legal expenses. Hoffman confirmed his involvement only after Carroll had filed her lawsuits, stating that he believed her story deserved to be heard against a powerful opponent.⁵⁶

In her 2022 deposition, Carroll stated, “no one else was paying for her legal fees.” However, it was disclosed shortly before a trial that Hoffman's nonprofit had contributed financially, casting doubt on Carroll's statements. The U.S. Court of Appeals previously noted that Carroll had “plausibly represented” her position in depositions, as she had little awareness of the details regarding funding. The investigation's outcome may significantly influence Carroll's ongoing legal battles, which already resulted in a $5 million judgment against Trump and a later jury award of $83.3 million for defamation connected to comments made in 2019.⁹¹¹

As this investigation unfolds, it raises critical questions about truth and accountability in high-profile allegations of misconduct, as well as the ramifications such inquiries have on victims seeking justice.