The Justice Department has opened a criminal probe into writer E. Jean Carroll, focusing on possible perjury in her civil suits against former President Donald Trump. Prosecutors will examine statements Carroll made while suing Trump for sexual assault, assessing whether she knowingly misled a court in federal court. The move escalates a legal battle that already produced a $5 million verdict against Trump today.

The inquiry arrives weeks after a Manhattan appellate court upheld the $5 million judgment, rejecting Trump’s bid to overturn the finding. Legal analysts note that a criminal perjury case could expose Carroll to fines or imprisonment, while also threatening Trump’s ability to claim immunity in future lawsuits. Investors watch for any ripple effects on the former president’s media assets and related political fundraising streams.

Both parties face heightened scrutiny as the DOJ’s involvement signals a willingness to pursue criminal liability beyond civil damages. Market participants assess whether the probe could pressure advertisers away from Trump‑aligned outlets or trigger additional regulatory scrutiny of political financing. The case now sits at the intersection of law, media economics, and electoral politics.