politics
US Justice Department Reportedly Opens Criminal Inquiry Into Trump Accuser E Jean Carroll
Officials said to be examining whether Carroll committed perjury in 2022 deposition tied to lawsuits against president
TL;DR
- The Trump administration has reportedly opened a criminal investigation into E Jean Carroll.
- Prosecutors are examining whether Carroll committed perjury in a 2022 deposition.
- The deposition was tied to her civil lawsuits against Donald Trump.
- The core issue is whether Carroll failed to disclose outside financial support for her legal battles.
- A nonprofit funded by Reid Hoffman had paid some of Carroll's legal fees and expenses.
- Trump's lawyers claimed Carroll hid this funding, undermining her credibility.
- Carroll's lawyers stated she never met or spoke with anyone from the nonprofit.
- A federal appeals court panel had previously dismissed the claim that Carroll lied in her deposition.
- Carroll was awarded $5m in damages in one civil lawsuit and $83m in another defamation case against Trump.
- Trump has appealed both judgments.
- Todd Blanche, who represented Trump in Carroll's civil case, has recused himself from the justice department investigation.