By: Paul Goldberg – Senior Correspondent | JRL CHARTS LGBT Politics USA
WASHINGTON, D.C. — (May 27, 2026) — President Donald Trump’s Department of Justice (DOJ) has reportedly launched a criminal investigation into writer E. Jean Carroll, the woman whom a federal jury previously found Trump sexually abused and later defamed in two separate civil trials. The stunning development is already fueling accusations that the administration is weaponizing federal law enforcement against political enemies and personal critics.
According to multiple reports first revealed by CNN and later confirmed by Reuters and other outlets, federal prosecutors are examining whether Carroll committed perjury during sworn testimony connected to her lawsuits against Trump.
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The reported investigation centers on a 2022 deposition in which Carroll stated that her legal battle against Trump was not being financed by outside backers. Months later, Carroll’s attorneys disclosed that billionaire LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman had helped cover portions of her legal expenses through a nonprofit organization.
Carroll’s legal team has maintained that she had no direct involvement with the nonprofit and never personally coordinated funding arrangements. A federal judge previously allowed Trump’s attorneys to question Carroll again under oath about the matter, but ultimately limited broader attempts to use the funding issue during trial proceedings.
Jury Previously Found Trump Liable for Sexual Abuse and Defamation
The criminal probe comes after two devastating courtroom losses for Trump in New York federal court. In May 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll, awarding her $5 million in damages. A second jury later ordered Trump to pay an additional $83.3 million after concluding he continued defaming Carroll while publicly attacking her credibility.
Trump has repeatedly denied Carroll’s allegations and continues to appeal both verdicts. The U.S. Supreme Court has reportedly delayed a decision multiple times on whether it will hear Trump’s latest appeal attempt tied to the sexual abuse ruling.
Legal analysts note that the DOJ investigation does not automatically mean charges will be filed against Carroll. However, the mere existence of a federal criminal probe into one of Trump’s most prominent accusers is already igniting backlash from civil rights advocates, constitutional scholars, and political observers.
Critics Warn of Expanding Federal Retaliation Campaign
The investigation arrives amid mounting criticism over what opponents describe as Trump’s expanding retaliation campaign against prosecutors, journalists, former government officials, and political critics. Since returning to office, Trump’s Justice Department has reportedly pursued investigations tied to several individuals publicly linked to cases against the president.
Critics argue that opening a criminal investigation into Carroll — after multiple juries sided against Trump — risks creating a chilling effect for victims of sexual assault and women pursuing civil claims against powerful figures.
The story is also drawing intense interest within LGBTQ political and civil rights circles, where advocacy organizations have increasingly warned about broader threats involving judicial independence, civil liberties, and the use of executive power for political retaliation.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche Recuses Himself
Adding another layer to the controversy, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche reportedly recused himself from the matter because he previously served as one of Trump’s personal defense attorneys during Carroll-related appeals.
At press time, neither the Department of Justice nor Carroll’s attorneys had issued extensive public comments regarding the reported federal investigation.
JRL CHARTS will continue monitoring all developments surrounding the Trump administration, Department of Justice investigations, and high-profile legal battles shaping LGBT Politics USA and constitutional accountability coverage.
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