The Justice Department under President Donald Trump is investigating a woman who accused him of sexual abuse, raising concerns about the weaponization of the justice system. E. Jean Carroll, a writer and advice columnist who alleged in a 2019 essay and two successful civil lawsuits that Trump assaulted her decades ago, is now under federal criminal investigation in Illinois. The investigation has not yet produced an indictment, but its existence signals the extent to which Trump has used the justice system to target his enemies.
What is the DOJ Investigating?
The investigation, first reported by CNN, centers on a perjury allegation against Carroll regarding a statement she made in 2022. At that time, Carroll incorrectly stated that she had not received outside funding supporting her civil lawsuits against Trump. However, a federal appeals court concluded in 2024 that there was no evidence the misstatement was intentional, and Carroll may have simply forgotten. Legal experts doubt that a conviction would be possible even if an indictment is issued.
Why Carroll?
Carroll is one of at least 27 women who have accused Trump of sexual misconduct or assault. Her allegation has been particularly costly and embarrassing for Trump, as he was found liable in 2023 for sexually abusing and defaming her, resulting in over $88 million in civil judgments. The money remains unpaid as Trump continues to appeal.
Bigger Picture
Carroll joins a growing list of individuals targeted by Trump's second-term DOJ on flimsy grounds, including former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and several Democratic lawmakers. So far, these efforts have largely failed, but Trump is likely to continue pursuing such cases.
In related news, an HIV-free generation is closer than ever due to advances in testing and anti-retroviral drugs, as reported by Sara Herschander. The problem is not yet solved, but progress has been significant in reducing mother-to-child transmission.
