Why Trump is investigating E. Jean Carroll

This story appeared in The Logoff, a daily newsletter that helps you stay informed about the Trump administration without letting political news take over your life. Subscribe here. Welcome to The Logoff: President Donald Trump’s Justice Department is investigating a woman who accused him of sexual abuse. What’s happening? On Wednesday evening, we learned that E. Jean Carroll — a writer and advice columnist who alleged in a 2019 essay and two subsequent, successful civil lawsuits that Trump assaulted her decades ago — is now under federal criminal investigation in Illinois. The investigation has yet to produce an indictment — and may not — but its mere existence is another indication of the extent to which Trump has weaponized the justice system to punish his enemies. What is the DOJ investigating? The investigation, which CNN first reported, reportedly centers on a perjury allegation against Carroll over a statement she made in 2022. At the time, Carroll said — incorrectly — that she had not received outside funding supporting her civil lawsuits against Trump. As my colleague Zack Beauchamp explains, however, a federal appeals court already concluded in 2024 that there was no evidence the misstatement was intentional, and Carroll may have simply forgotten. As one legal expert told Zack on Thursday, even if Carroll is indicted, “A conviction is just not going to happen.” Why Carroll? Carroll is not alone in accusing Trump of sexual misconduct or assault; at least 27 women have done so to date. Her allegation, however, has been both costly and embarrassing for Trump: He was found liable in 2023 for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll, who also won more than $88 million from him in two civil judgments. (The money has not yet been paid, as Trump continues to appeal.) What’s the big picture? Carroll joins a growing list of people Trump’s second-term DOJ has pursued on flimsy, if not outright preposterous, grounds, including former FBI Director James Comey (indicted twice), New York state Attorney General Letitia James (just once), and half a dozen Democratic lawmakers (tried and failed). He’s almost certainly going to keep at it — but at least so far, he keeps failing, too. And with that, it’s time to log off… Here’s a headline that speaks for itself, from my colleague Sara Herschander: An HIV-free generation is closer than you think. As Sara explains, the problem isn’t solved yet, and there’s still work to do. But testing and anti-retroviral drugs have been a marvelous success story in recent decades, dramatically reducing the number of babies born with HIV. You can read her full story here with a gift link. Have a great evening!