Justice Department Launches Criminal Investigation Into E. Jean Carroll Following Trump Victory
The probe targets Carroll, who won a civil case against Trump for sexual abuse, as part of broader DOJ campaign against the president's perceived enemies.
The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll, the writer who successfully sued President Donald Trump for sexual abuse in a high-profile civil trial, according to sources familiar with the matter. The probe represents the latest target in what appears to be a systematic campaign by Trump's Justice Department to pursue legal action against individuals the president considers his political enemies.
Carroll, who accused Trump of rape in a Manhattan department store in the 1990s, prevailed in her civil case against the then-former president, securing a significant financial judgment. Her victory was seen as a rare legal defeat for Trump and became a rallying point for his critics during his successful 2024 presidential campaign.
The criminal inquiry into Carroll comes as the Justice Department under Trump has launched investigations into numerous individuals who challenged or opposed the president during his time out of office. Sources indicate the administration has compiled what one official described as an "incomplete list" of targets, suggesting the scope of the investigations may be broader than previously known.
Legal experts have raised concerns about the Justice Department's apparent focus on Trump's perceived adversaries, with some questioning whether the investigations represent legitimate law enforcement priorities or politically motivated prosecutions. The timing of the Carroll investigation, coming after Trump's return to office, has intensified scrutiny of the department's independence.
The development marks a dramatic reversal of fortunes for Carroll, who spent years fighting to hold Trump accountable through the civil justice system. Her case had been viewed as a significant legal victory for sexual assault survivors, but the criminal investigation now puts her in legal jeopardy. The Justice Department has not disclosed the specific allegations or legal theories underlying the investigation into Carroll, leaving questions about the scope and basis for the probe.
