Justice Department Opens Criminal Inquiry Into E. Jean Carroll Over Trump Rape Accusations
Federal prosecutors are investigating whether Carroll committed perjury in her civil lawsuits against Donald Trump, whom she accused of sexual assault.
The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll, the writer who successfully sued Donald Trump for sexual assault, according to sources familiar with the matter. The inquiry centers on whether Carroll committed perjury during her civil lawsuits against the former president, marking a dramatic escalation in the legal battles surrounding Trump's alleged sexual misconduct.
Carroll gained national prominence after accusing Trump of raping her in a Manhattan department store dressing room in the 1990s. She subsequently filed two separate civil lawsuits against Trump, one for defamation and another under New York's Adult Survivors Act. A Manhattan jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation in May 2023, ordering him to pay Carroll $5 million in damages. A separate jury later awarded her an additional $83.3 million in a defamation case.
The criminal investigation reportedly focuses on statements Carroll made under oath during the civil proceedings. Federal prosecutors are examining whether any of her testimony constituted perjury, which carries potential criminal penalties including imprisonment. The timing of the investigation comes as Trump faces multiple criminal cases while campaigning for the 2028 presidential election.
Legal experts note that perjury cases are notoriously difficult to prosecute, requiring prosecutors to prove that a defendant knowingly made false statements under oath with intent to deceive. The Justice Department would need to demonstrate that Carroll deliberately lied about material facts during her testimony, rather than simply misremembering details or making honest mistakes.
The investigation adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal entanglements between Trump and Carroll. Trump has consistently denied Carroll's allegations and has appealed both civil verdicts. The criminal inquiry could potentially affect Carroll's credibility in future legal proceedings and may influence public perception of her civil court victories against Trump.
