The United States Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into E Jean Carroll, the former columnist who accused Donald Trump of sexual assault. According to CNN, investigators are examining whether Carroll committed perjury during her testimony in the civil case against the former president.
Background of the Case
In 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll in a department store dressing room in the 1990s, though not for rape. Trump was ordered to pay $5 million in damages for the sexual abuse claim and an additional $83.3 million in a related defamation case. Since these were civil rulings, Trump faced no jail time.
Funding Controversy
During her 2022 deposition, Carroll stated she had no outside funding for her lawsuit. However, it later emerged that billionaire Reid Hoffman had covered some of her legal expenses. Judge Lewis Kaplan, who presided over the case, subsequently stated he found 'no issue' with Carroll's credibility despite the discrepancy.
Trump's Appeals and Countersuit
Trump has appealed both verdicts. He also filed a countersuit against Carroll, claiming she defamed him by asserting he was liable for rape, which the jury did not find. Judge Kaplan dismissed Trump's countersuit, ruling that Carroll's media statements were 'substantially true.' Trump's attorneys had also requested a new trial, citing a 'seriously erroneous result' and excessive damages, but Kaplan rejected that motion in July 2023.
New DOJ Fund for MAGA Supporters
Separately, Trump's Justice Department announced a $1.7 billion fund to compensate supporters who claim they were mistreated by the previous administration under Joe Biden. Dubbed the 'anti-weaponisation fund,' it was part of a settlement resolving Trump's lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax returns. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche described it as 'a lawful process for victims of lawfare and weaponisation to be heard and seek redress.' Democrats and watchdog groups have vowed to challenge the fund, calling it 'corrupt' and warning it could encourage frivolous claims.
