Exclusive: Justice Department launches a criminal investigation into Trump accuser E. Jean Carroll
Exclusive: Justice Department Launches Criminal Probe into Trump Accuser E. Jean Carroll
Exclusive – According to several insiders, the Department of Justice initiated a criminal probe into E. Jean Carroll, the retired journalist who accused former President Donald Trump of sexual assault. The inquiry centers on whether Carroll fabricated parts of her testimony during her civil lawsuits against Trump, which have been a focal point of legal battles for years. The case is now part of a broader effort by the Justice Department to address Trump’s allegations of political bias, as his team continues to push for legal actions targeting his long-term adversaries.
The investigation follows a critical revelation about Carroll’s financial support. In a 2022 deposition, Carroll stated she had no external funding for her lawsuit, but evidence later surfaced showing that billionaire Reid Hoffman had contributed legal expenses and fees to her case. This development has raised questions about the credibility of her testimony, particularly in relation to the two lawsuits that form the backbone of the criminal inquiry. The first suit alleged that Trump sexually assaulted Carroll in a New York department store during the mid-1990s, while the second accused him of defamation after he repeatedly denied the assault in 2019, claiming she wasn’t his type and that her account was a fabrication to promote his book.
Timing and Tactical Moves
The probe is the latest chapter in the Justice Department’s ongoing strategy to meet Trump’s demands for retribution. Since taking charge in April, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has accelerated efforts to target opponents of the former president. However, this move has drawn criticism, with some legal experts questioning whether the cases are being used to advance political goals rather than pursue justice. Blanche, who previously worked as one of Trump’s personal attorneys, has been recused from the matter due to potential conflicts of interest. His absence from meetings and discussions about the investigation means the case is now being managed by other officials in the deputy attorney general’s office.
Carroll’s legal team has remained silent on the matter, declining to comment for this report. Efforts to contact Reid Hoffman on Wednesday were also unsuccessful, leaving the details of his financial backing to be pieced together from available records. The investigation’s timing has been scrutinized, as it comes on the heels of a significant legal twist in the case: the revelation that Hoffman’s nonprofit had covered some of Carroll’s expenses just weeks before the trial. This disclosure surprised Trump’s attorneys, who had not anticipated such support from an external source.
A Deposition at the Heart of the Matter
Carroll’s testimony during a 2022 videotaped deposition became a pivotal moment in the case. She told then-Trump attorney Alina Habba that no one else was funding her legal efforts, a statement that now appears to be at odds with later evidence. Two weeks before the trial, her lawyers informed the court and Trump’s defense team that they had secured financial backing from Hoffman’s nonprofit, which is based in Chicago. This development forced the judge to reconsider Carroll’s credibility, though the prosecution’s case remains unproven.
“Carroll’s team conspired to conceal the truth for nearly six months,” Habba stated during the trial, highlighting the surprise of Trump’s legal representatives. The judge, Lewis Kaplan, initially allowed Trump’s lawyers to question Carroll again in a deposition, which has not yet been released to the public. However, when the trial commenced two weeks later, Kaplan ruled there was no issue with Carroll’s credibility and barred the defense from probing further into Hoffman’s contributions. This decision has fueled speculation about the judge’s impartiality and the influence of external factors on the case.
Carroll’s legal battles with Trump continue to unfold. Juries have already awarded her over $5 million in the sexual assault case and a staggering $83 million in the defamation lawsuit. Trump has vowed to appeal both decisions, with the Supreme Court currently holding off on its review of the sexual assault case for the twelfth time. The most recent deferral occurred Wednesday morning, as the court weighed whether to accept the appeal. The defamation case, which involves a claim that Trump’s denial of the assault was a deliberate attempt to damage Carroll’s reputation, has also been drawn into the broader political discourse surrounding his legal strategy.
Political Implications and Legal Challenges
The Justice Department’s actions in this case have sparked debate about the politicization of the legal process. In a separate case, Trump had previously requested the department to join as a defendant, arguing he should be immune from liability under certain legal protections. However, an appeals court rejected this claim, stating the argument was raised too late in the proceedings. This precedent adds to the skepticism surrounding the current investigation, which some view as a strategic move to align with Trump’s broader campaign of retribution.
Despite the criticism, the Justice Department has maintained that the investigation is focused on the merits of the case. The prosecutors argue that Carroll’s testimony, particularly her statements about funding, is central to determining whether she committed perjury. Yet, the case has become a battleground for contrasting narratives: one emphasizing the pursuit of justice, the other suggesting a political vendetta against Trump’s critics. The involvement of Hoffman, who has a nonprofit in Chicago, has further complicated the matter, as his financial support now serves as a potential tool for both sides in the legal skirmish.
As the investigation progresses, the spotlight remains on Carroll’s testimony and the credibility of her claims. The Justice Department’s decision to refer the case to Chicago-based federal prosecutors signals a shift in focus, with the city’s legal team now handling the complexities of the case. Meanwhile, Trump’s team continues to leverage the situation, using it as evidence of the Justice Department’s perceived bias. The outcome of this probe could have far-reaching implications, not only for Carroll’s legal standing but also for the perception of the department’s integrity in the eyes of the public and the courts.
In the broader context, the investigation reflects the high-stakes environment of Trump’s legal challenges. From sexual assault to defamation, each case has become a test of the Justice Department’s commitment to impartiality. As the probe intensifies, the focus on Carroll’s testimony underscores the delicate balance between personal accountability and political maneuvering. Whether this inquiry will uncover new truths or deepen the divide between the president and his accusers remains to be seen, with the legal process continuing to play a central role in shaping the narrative.
CNN’s John Fritze contributed to this report. This story was updated to correct a misstatement regarding the Justice Department’s involvement in the case.
