The Justice Department Opens a New Look at Carroll’s Case

In a surprising turn, the U. S. Justice Department has started a criminal inquiry into E. Jean Carroll, the author who once said former President Donald Trump had raped her in the 1990s. The investigation centers on whether Carroll might have lied while giving evidence in two civil suits that she won against Trump. One suit dealt with alleged sexual abuse at a New York store, and the other involved claims of defamation in 2019. The probe is being handled by the U. S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago and may or may not lead to formal charges. A source who asked to stay anonymous said the investigation was sparked by a 2022 deposition where Carroll claimed she had no external financial support for her lawsuits. However, later revelations showed that Reid Hoffman, a LinkedIn co‑founder, helped pay some of her legal fees. This contradiction could be key to the new inquiry. Last year, Trump’s Justice Department launched several investigations against political opponents and even filed criminal charges in some cases. The current probe follows a pattern of scrutinizing those who have criticized the former president. It also comes at a time when Trump continues to deny all allegations and remains embroiled in legal battles with Carroll.A jury in May 2023 found that Trump had sexually assaulted Carroll and lied to defame her, but it did not confirm rape. Another jury in January 2024 ruled that Trump defamed Carroll and ordered him to pay $83. 3 million in damages. These decisions add weight to the ongoing debate over the seriousness of Carroll’s accusations. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who quickly acted on Trump’s requests after taking office, has been removed from this particular investigation because he previously served as one of Trump’s personal attorneys during Carroll’s appeals. This move aims to avoid any conflict of interest. The outcome of this criminal probe remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether Carroll will face charges. The Justice Department’s actions reflect a broader trend of re‑examining past allegations and ensuring that legal processes remain thorough and impartial.