DOJ launches criminal probe into E. Jean Carroll over alleged perjury

E. Jean Carroll, the 82‑year‑old former magazine writer who won civil judgments against former President Donald Trump, is now the subject of a Justice Department criminal investigation into whether she committed perjury in those cases [2]. The probe was opened by U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros in Chicago and focuses on Carroll’s testimony in the civil lawsuits that resulted in a $5 million sexual‑abuse verdict and an $83.3 million defamation verdict [2].

Key takeaways

• The DOJ investigation targets possible perjury by Carroll in her civil suits against Trump [2].
• U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros, a Trump appointee, initiated the inquiry [2].
• Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has recused himself due to prior representation of Trump [2].
• Carroll’s civil victories included a $5 million judgment upheld in December 2024 and an $83.3 million defamation award upheld in September 2025 [2].
• The probe follows a pattern of DOJ actions against individuals perceived as Trump adversaries [1][2].

DOJ investigation details

The investigation was disclosed by two sources with direct knowledge of the matter, one of whom spoke anonymously about the perjury focus [2]. According to the source, the inquiry examines whether Carroll lied under oath during the civil trials that produced the $5 million sexual‑abuse judgment and the later $83.3 million defamation judgment [2]. The case is being handled by the Northern District of Illinois, where Boutros serves as U.S. attorney, even though the civil cases were filed in New York [2].

Carroll’s legal team has not yet responded to requests for comment [2]. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who previously represented Trump, has stepped aside from the probe to avoid a conflict of interest [2]. Department officials in Washington have been involved, reflecting a broader trend of the DOJ pursuing cases that align with Trump’s “retribution” agenda, as noted in earlier reporting on investigations of other Trump critics [1][2].

Why it matters

The probe adds a new layer to the ongoing legal battles between Trump and his accusers, highlighting the DOJ’s willingness to scrutinize civil litigants as part of a broader strategy targeting Trump’s perceived opponents [1][2]. If prosecutors find evidence of perjury, Carroll could face criminal charges, potentially altering the public narrative around the civil verdicts. The investigation also underscores the politicized environment within the Justice Department, where high‑profile cases are often assigned to prosecutors seen as favorable to the administration [1][2]. The outcome will likely influence both the future of Carroll’s civil judgments and the perception of DOJ independence under a Trump‑aligned leadership.