The Justice Department’s examination of E. Jean Carroll’s lawsuits against President Trump could prove to be a significant shift in the administration’s campaign of retribution.
After targeting public officials and political figures who had angered Mr. Trump, federal prosecutors are now scrutinizing a case brought by an 82-year-old private citizen who has accused him of sexual assault.
What sets Ms. Carroll apart is the profoundly personal nature of her assertions about the president. And unlike other prominent figures facing investigative scrutiny — James B. Comey, Letitia James, Adam B. Schiff, John O. Brennan — Ms. Carroll, an author and columnist, never sought a public role, political power or governmental authority.
The investigation involves donations made by a nonprofit founded by the liberal billionaire Reid Hoffman to pay for Ms. Carroll’s legal bills, according to people with knowledge of the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing inquiry.
As part of that inquiry, prosecutors are examining the veracity of her responses to questions about the donation during the civil proceedings over her accusations that Mr. Trump assaulted her decades ago. But Mr. Hoffman’s nonprofit, American Future Republic — and not Ms. Carroll — is currently the subject of the criminal inquiry, although that could change, a person with direct knowledge of the situation said.
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