US justice department launches criminal investigation into Trump accuser E Jean Carroll, reports say

May 28, 2026

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a criminal probe into E Jean Carroll, examining potential perjury related to her testimony about lawsuit funding in civil cases against President Trump. Carroll won two separate legal battles against Trump - one for sexual assault and defamation resulting in a $5 million judgment, and another defamation case awarding her $83 million. The investigation centers on whether Carroll falsely stated during a 2022 deposition that she received no external financial support, after it emerged that LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman helped cover some legal expenses.

Who is affected

E Jean Carroll (former magazine columnist and plaintiff in civil cases)
President Donald Trump (defendant in the civil cases)
Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn co-founder who helped fund Carroll's legal expenses)
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche (recused from the case)
The U.S. Department of Justice
Carroll's legal team

What action is being taken

The DOJ has opened a criminal investigation into E Jean Carroll
The investigation is examining whether Carroll committed perjury in connection with her civil cases
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois is leading the investigation
Trump has asked the Supreme Court to overturn the first judgment against him

Why it matters

This investigation represents a significant escalation in the ongoing legal battle between Trump and Carroll, potentially transforming a civil matter into criminal proceedings. The case raises questions about witness testimony accuracy and the disclosure of litigation funding in high-profile cases. The investigation also comes amid concerns about the Justice Department's independence, as Trump has repeatedly called for prosecution of his adversaries since returning to office, though the Acting Attorney General who previously represented Trump is recused from this matter.

What's next

Trump has vowed to appeal the second judgment ($83 million) to the U.S. Supreme Court, following his existing appeal of the first judgment ($5 million).

Read full article from source: BBC