The U.S. Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into E Jean Carroll, the former magazine columnist who accused Donald Trump of sexual assault. The focus of the investigation is on whether Carroll committed perjury during her civil lawsuits against Trump. In 2022, a jury awarded Carroll $5 million after finding Trump liable for sexual abuse. Additionally, a grand jury later awarded her $83.3 million for defamatory statements made by Trump. The investigation follows a federal appeals court's rejection of Trump's attempts to challenge Carroll's claims. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has recused himself from the case due to his prior representation of Trump. The investigation is being led by U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros. Carroll has filed two lawsuits against Trump: one for the alleged assault and another for defamation related to his denials of the allegations. Federal prosecutors are scrutinizing a 2022 videotaped deposition in which Carroll claimed she did not receive outside funding for her lawsuit, despite revelations that billionaire Reid Hoffman covered some of her expenses.