DOJ launches criminal probe into E. Jean Carroll: Sources
DOJ Initiates Criminal Probe into E. Jean Carroll Following Allegations of Perjury
DOJ launches criminal probe into E Jean - The U.S. Department of Justice has begun a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll, the former Elle magazine columnist who claimed President Donald Trump sexually assaulted her in the 1990s. Multiple sources close to the matter confirmed to ABC News that the probe focuses on whether Carroll fabricated testimony in her civil lawsuits against Trump, which resulted in a $5 million award for her in 2023. This move marks another development in the ongoing legal battles involving the former president, who has faced numerous allegations over the years.
Acting Attorney General Steps Down from Oversight
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has recused himself from the investigation, as reported by sources. His prior representation of Trump in the case prompted concerns about potential conflicts of interest, leading to his removal from the probe. The decision to step aside underscores the high stakes of the current inquiry, which is being led by Andrew Boutros, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. Boutros is reportedly spearheading the effort to determine if Carroll’s testimony in the civil proceedings was truthful or misleading.
Background on Civil Lawsuits and Legal Outcomes
E. Jean Carroll’s civil lawsuits against Trump were pivotal in securing a significant financial settlement. In 2023, a court found Trump liable for sexually abusing her in a department store dressing room, awarding her nearly $5 million in damages. A separate defamation case, which also involved Carroll, was decided in 2024, with Trump again held accountable for his public denial of the allegations. These rulings formed the foundation of the DOJ’s recent criminal probe, which is examining whether Carroll’s claims were supported by evidence or if she misrepresented facts during the proceedings.
Carroll’s testimony during the civil cases became central to Trump’s legal strategy. In 2024, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Trump’s attempt to overturn the 2023 judgment, citing his failure to prove that the district court made errors in its rulings. The court highlighted that Trump had not shown how the rejection of evidence—such as claims that he paid Carroll’s legal fees—affected the outcome of her case. This decision set the stage for the DOJ to explore potential criminal implications of her testimony.
Legal Challenges and Strategic Moves by Trump
Trump’s legal team has been actively challenging the validity of Carroll’s claims, particularly in recent months. Earlier this month, he requested a federal appeals court in New York to pause its decision on his defamation case, arguing that he needed time to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had previously dismissed Trump’s motion to substitute the United States as a defendant, further complicating his efforts to shift responsibility.
Carroll’s case has drawn national attention, with her status as a prominent critic of Trump playing a key role. The DOJ’s criminal probe adds another layer to the legal scrutiny surrounding her allegations. The investigation is reportedly examining whether her statements during depositions were consistent with the evidence presented in the civil lawsuits, which could lead to charges of perjury or false testimony.
Broader Context of DOJ Investigations
This criminal probe is part of a wider pattern of DOJ actions targeting Trump’s perceived adversaries. Over the past few years, the department has launched multiple investigations into individuals and organizations critical of the former president, often facing challenges in court and before grand juries. The focus on Carroll’s testimony aligns with these efforts, which aim to assess the credibility of claims against Trump and determine if legal actions were justified or manipulated.
A DOJ spokesperson declined to provide further details on the criminal investigation to ABC News, maintaining a level of discretion. Carroll’s attorneys similarly chose not to comment, leaving the specifics of the probe to be revealed gradually. The lack of public statements from both sides has fueled speculation about the direction of the inquiry and its potential impact on the broader Trump legal saga.
Recent Developments and Public Reaction
Trump’s recent legal maneuvers have intensified the focus on Carroll’s case. By seeking to pause the 2024 defamation ruling, he aims to extend the timeline for his appeals, which could delay the resolution of the matter. This strategy reflects his broader approach to challenging legal decisions that implicate him in sexual misconduct allegations.
The case also highlights the intersection of personal and political accountability in high-profile legal battles. Carroll’s initial accusations against Trump, which were initially dismissed, have now become the subject of a criminal investigation. The DOJ’s decision to pursue this line of inquiry suggests a growing interest in exploring whether her claims were substantiated or if they were used as a tool to pursue legal and financial penalties against Trump.
As the probe unfolds, it will likely be closely watched by legal experts and the public alike. The outcome could set a precedent for how the DOJ handles cases involving political figures and their critics. For now, the investigation remains in its early stages, with key details yet to be disclosed. However, the implications of this action are already shaping the narrative around Trump’s legal legacy and the role of the Department of Justice in enforcing accountability.
Related News and Legal Timeline
In addition to the criminal probe, recent updates on Trump’s legal battles have drawn attention to the timeline of his cases. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ 2024 ruling, which rejected Trump’s appeal, remains a critical point in the litigation. This decision follows earlier setbacks, including the rejection of his immunity claims and attempts to alter the defendant in the defamation case. The DOJ’s involvement in Carroll’s case adds another chapter to this evolving legal landscape, with the potential to influence future rulings against Trump.
Carroll’s case also intersects with other recent developments in Trump’s legal affairs. The owner of a residence known as the "Trump House" passed away after being attacked outside their home, and a man accused of three homicides was arrested in Hawaii following an extensive search. These events, while separate, underscore the ongoing scrutiny of Trump’s influence and the broader legal environment in which his cases are being processed. The DOJ’s focus on Carroll’s testimony could become a focal point in the upcoming months, as the investigation continues to gather evidence and build its case.
Key Quotes from the Court Decision
“Trump has not demonstrated that the district court erred in any of the challenged rulings,” stated the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in its 2024 decision. “The evidence he presented—such as claims that he funded Carroll’s legal fees—was not sufficient to overturn the findings of liability.”
The quote from the court decision reinforces the foundation of the DOJ’s criminal probe, which hinges on whether Carroll’s testimony was truthful or if it concealed key facts. As the investigation progresses, the legal community will be monitoring how the DOJ handles this case and whether it will lead to broader implications for Trump’s defense strategies in other lawsuits.