DOJ launches criminal probe into E. Jean Carroll's lawsuit against Donald Trump

The U.S. Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation related to E. Jean Carroll’s defamation and battery lawsuits against former President Donald Trump. Media reports say the probe will examine whether Carroll committed perjury and will focus on a nonprofit that contributed legal funding for her case, including donations from LinkedIn co‑founder Reid Hoffman.

Carroll previously won a civil verdict that found Trump liable and awarded nearly $90 million in damages. The investigation follows the president’s pattern of using the Department of Justice to target political opponents. Trump and his allies have dismissed the inquiry as a “witch hunt,” while the National Organization for Women warned that such actions could intimidate survivors of assault. Conservative commentator Ed Whelan called the probe an “outrageous abuse of power.” Carroll has not publicly responded, and her attorney declined comment.