US Justice Department launches criminal probe into Trump accuser E. Jean Carroll

The US Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused President Donald Trump of sexual assault and defamation in two civil lawsuits.

According to a report by CNN, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter, investigators are examining whether Carroll committed perjury during testimony linked to the cases.

The probe reportedly centres on a 2022 deposition in which Carroll said she had received no outside funding for her legal action.

It was later disclosed that billionaire entrepreneur Reid Hoffman had helped cover some legal fees and expenses through a nonprofit organisation.

Sources told CNN that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche recused himself from the matter because he previously worked as one of Trump’s personal attorneys during the Carroll appeals.

Carroll previously won two civil cases against Trump, with juries awarding her millions of dollars in damages.

Trump is appealing both rulings, including a $5 million sexual abuse judgement and an $83 million defamation award.