In a recent development, U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros of the Northern District of Illinois firmly denied that his office had initiated an investigation into E. Jean Carroll, the advice columnist who accused Donald Trump of sexual assault. This denial followed reports from various news outlets stating that the Justice Department was looking into potential perjury claims related to Carroll’s civil litigation against Trump.
Background on E. Jean Carroll’s Allegations
E. Jean Carroll claims that in 1996, Trump assaulted her in a New York department store. This incident occurred at Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue. Trump has dismissed the allegations as a fabricated scheme, suggesting her motivations were politically driven.
Recent Developments
Declaring that no criminal investigation into Carroll exists, Boutros specified that the focus of investigators was not on her but on a nonprofit connected to Carroll’s legal funding. This clarification was made after an anonymous source initially indicated the investigation was centered on Carroll.
Justice Department Investigation
The investigation into Carroll was first reported by CNN. It raised concerns among some Democrats and former officials that the Justice Department might be politically motivated, particularly under the Trump administration.
Legal Outcomes
- In 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll, awarding her $5 million.
- In a second defamation case concerning Trump’s social media statements, Carroll received an additional $83.3 million.
Funding Controversy
Reports indicate that the Justice Department is examining a statement made by Carroll regarding her legal fees. Initially, she stated that no external parties were paying her fees. However, it was later revealed that a nonprofit organization, associated with Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, had supported her case financially. Trump’s legal team has alleged that Carroll concealed this information, potentially compromising her credibility.
Court Rulings
A ruling by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the $5 million jury award, addressing issues surrounding Carroll’s credibility during the litigation. The court concluded that Carroll had simply forgotten about the limited external funding when asked about it.
Future Implications
Trump has been allowed to postpone payment of the awards until the U.S. Supreme Court either reviews or rejects his appeal. Meanwhile, Carroll’s legal team continues to navigate these complex developments.
