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The U.S. Justice Department has launched a criminal inquiry into E. Jean Carroll, focusing on whether she committed perjury during her civil lawsuits against Donald Trump. This high-stakes development, revealed on May 28, 2026, centers on alleged discrepancies regarding external funding for her legal battles and adds a dramatic new chapter to an already contentious legal saga.
The U.S. Justice Department has launched a criminal inquiry into E. Jean Carroll, focusing on whether she committed perjury during her civil lawsuits against Donald Trump. This high-stakes development, revealed on May 28, 2026, centers on alleged discrepancies regarding extern...
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In a stunning development reverberating through legal and political circles, the U.S. Justice Department has initiated a criminal inquiry into E. Jean Carroll, the prominent author and former advice columnist who successfully sued Donald Trump for sexual assault and defamation. The investigation, first reported by CNN and widely confirmed by major news outlets on May 28, 2026, centers on allegations that Carroll may have committed perjury during a 2022 deposition regarding the funding of her civil lawsuits against the former President. [2]
This latest turn adds an unprecedented layer of complexity and contention to a legal battle that has already captivated the nation for years. The inquiry, led by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois, spotlights the intricate intersection of civil litigation, political pressure, and the pursuit of justice, raising significant questions about the ramifications for all parties involved. [2]
The criminal inquiry by the Justice Department stems from E. Jean Carroll's 2022 deposition. During this testimony, Carroll stated under oath that she had not received any outside financial support for her legal actions against Donald Trump. [2] However, subsequent court filings and revelations brought to light that billionaire Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and a notable critic of Trump, had, in fact, contributed to some of Carroll's legal expenses through a non-profit organization. [2]
This discrepancy forms the core of the perjury investigation. Perjury, the act of willfully making a false statement under oath, is a serious federal offense that carries significant penalties. Prosecutors are now tasked with determining whether Carroll knowingly made a false statement or if, as her legal team has previously argued, she genuinely forgot about the limited outside funding or was simply not involved in the administrative aspects of her litigation costs. [4]
Reid Hoffman's financial backing for Carroll's lawsuits became a point of contention in the civil proceedings. Trump's legal team attempted to use this information to undermine Carroll's credibility, suggesting an intentional concealment of facts. [4] However, a federal appeals court panel in New York, in its 2024 ruling, dismissed the claim that Carroll had lied in her deposition, stating that she had "plausibly represented" that she had forgotten about the limited outside funding counsel obtained.
Hoffman himself addressed his decision to assist Carroll financially in a May 2023 interview with the Washington Post. He explained that his team became involved after Carroll had already filed her lawsuit. "My team looked at it, thought that her voice should be heard because she was challenging someone who was so much more wealthy and powerful, it shouldn't be squashed," Hoffman stated.
This criminal inquiry unfolds against the backdrop of E. Jean Carroll's two successful civil lawsuits against Donald Trump. These cases garnered national attention, addressing serious allegations of sexual assault and defamation.
| Year | Case Focus | Jury Finding | Damages Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Sexual Assault (mid-1990s alleged incident) & Defamation (comments made in 2022) | Trump liable for sexual assault and defamation | $5 million |
| 2024 | Defamation (comments made in 2019) | Trump liable for defamation | $83.3 million |
In both instances, juries found Donald Trump liable for Carroll's claims. The first verdict in 2023 awarded Carroll $5 million in damages after a jury concluded Trump had sexually assaulted her in a New York department store dressing room in the mid-1990s and then defamed her with comments made in 2022. [7] The second, more substantial verdict in 2024, resulted in an $83.3 million award for defamation, stemming from Trump's repeated public attacks on Carroll's character following her initial allegations. [2] Both judgments have since been upheld on appeal.
Trump has consistently and vehemently denied Carroll's allegations of sexual assault, describing them as false and politically motivated. His legal battles with Carroll are ongoing, with appeals of both judgments still active. [7]
The initiation of a criminal inquiry into E. Jean Carroll by the Justice Department is a highly unusual step, particularly given the context of her successful civil judgments against a former President. The investigation is being overseen by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois. [3]
A notable aspect of this development is the recusal of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Blanche previously represented Donald Trump in some of the litigation related to the Carroll cases, making his recusal a necessary step to avoid any perceived conflict of interest. [2]
This inquiry also unfolds within a broader political climate marked by intense partisan divisions and public scrutiny of the Justice Department's independence. Critics have previously raised concerns about potential political motivations behind certain investigations, particularly those involving individuals who have been perceived as opponents of the current administration. [8] The timing and nature of this probe are likely to fuel further debate about the impartiality of the justice system.
For E. Jean Carroll, this criminal inquiry introduces a new and potentially daunting legal challenge. While her civil victories against Trump remain intact, a perjury conviction could carry severe consequences, including fines and imprisonment. It could also open new avenues for Trump's legal team to challenge the credibility of her previous testimony, potentially impacting the enforcement or appeal processes of the substantial civil judgments against him. However, it's crucial to remember that the launch of a criminal probe does not automatically equate to charges or a conviction.
For Donald Trump, this development offers a potential, albeit complicated, victory. After years of facing accusations and significant financial penalties in civil court, an investigation into his accuser could be seen as a vindication by his supporters. His attorneys had previously argued that Carroll withheld information about her funding, and this probe, if it were to result in charges, could provide grounds for revisiting aspects of the civil cases. [4]
However, the legal landscape is complex. The appeals court's previous finding that Carroll "plausibly represented" forgetting the funding will likely be a significant point of consideration in any criminal proceedings. Furthermore, the political implications for both Carroll and Trump are immense, with public opinion likely to be sharply divided on the fairness and motivations behind the investigation.
The Justice Department's criminal inquiry into E. Jean Carroll marks a pivotal and unexpected turn in a saga that has already pushed the boundaries of legal and political discourse. As federal prosecutors delve into the specifics of Carroll's 2022 deposition and the circumstances surrounding her legal funding, the nation will be watching closely.
This investigation serves as a stark reminder of the rigorous standards of truthfulness expected under oath and the serious consequences of any perceived deviation. It also highlights the enduring political tensions surrounding figures like Donald Trump and the intense scrutiny that surrounds their legal entanglements. The coming months will undoubtedly bring further revelations and legal maneuvering as this complex and politically charged inquiry progresses, shaping not only the fates of E. Jean Carroll and Donald Trump but also the broader narrative of justice and accountability in America.
Featured image by JOSHUA COLEMAN on Unsplash
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