US Justice Dept. probes Trump accuser E. Jean Carroll for perjury

The US Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll, the writer who accused President Donald Trump of sexual assault in the mid-1990s, a source familiar with the matter confirmed Wednesday. The probe, first reported by CNN, is being led by the US Attorney's Office in Chicago and centers on whether Carroll committed perjury during her testimony in two civil lawsuits she filed against Trump. The first lawsuit alleged Trump sexually abused her in a New York department store dressing room; the second was a defamation case related to Trump's denial of the incident. Carroll won both cases, securing significant damages. The source, who requested anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation, cautioned that the probe may not result in criminal charges.

This investigation is the latest in a series of actions by Trump's Justice Department targeting political adversaries. Since last year, the department has pursued multiple probes against the president's critics, with some leading to criminal charges. Carroll's attorney, Robbie Kaplan, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The development underscores the deepening legal and political divisions in the US, as the Justice Department under Trump continues to scrutinize individuals who have publicly opposed or litigated against him. Legal analysts note that perjury cases are difficult to prove, especially when based on testimony in civil trials where credibility is already heavily tested.