The Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll, the former Elle magazine columnist who accused Donald Trump of sexual assault and received a $5 million civil judgment. The probe examines possible perjury in her civil lawsuits and is being led by U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros after Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche recused himself. ABC News reported the development on May 27, 2026, citing unnamed sources, with no comment from the DOJ or Carroll's attorneys.