US justice department reportedly opens criminal inquiry into Trump accuser E Jean Carroll

Officials said to be examining whether Carroll committed perjury in 2022 deposition tied to lawsuits against president

The Trump administration has opened a criminal investigation into E Jean Carroll, the writer who accused the president of sexual assault, according to news reports.

Prosecutors, the New York Times and CNN reported on Wednesday, are looking into whether Carroll, 82, committed perjury in a 2022 deposition during her civil lawsuits against Trump, in which she said she did not accept outside financial support for her legal battles.