The Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll, the former Elle magazine columnist who accused President Donald Trump of sexual assault, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The investigation is allegedly centered around whether Carroll committed perjury during her civil lawsuits against President Trump, after which she was awarded a $5 million judgment, the sources said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche recused himself from the investigation, given his past representation of Trump in the matter, the sources said. \u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"Andrew](\"https:\/\/i.abcnewsfe.com\/a\/47d33098-0518-442d-984e-2fec5aecf0eb\/e-jean-carroll-ap-gmh-260506_1778080764601_hpMain.jpg?w=375 "\\"Andrew")
<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>E. Jean Carroll exits the New York Federal Court after former President Donald Trump appeared in court, Sept. 6, 2024, in New York City.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Eduardo Munoz Alvarez\/AP<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n CNN first reported news of the investigation, which sources said is being led by the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Andrew Boutros.\u00a0<\/p>\n The probe is just the latest among a series of investigations launched by the department into political foes of President Trump, a number of which have faced significant obstacles in the courts and grand juries.\u00a0<\/p>\n A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment on the investigation to ABC News. Attorneys for Carroll also declined comment.<\/p>\n