The top federal prosecutor in Chicago has denied media reports that his office opened an investigation into E. Jean Carroll, the writer who accused President Donald Trump of sexually assaulting her decades ago.
Andrew Boutros, the US attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, issued a statement confirming that his office 'has not opened — and has never opened — a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll.' The denial came in response to widespread media coverage suggesting such an inquiry was underway.
What the Right Is Saying
Supporters of President Trump argued that the false reports demonstrated what they characterized as persistent efforts to generate damaging allegations against the president. Conservative commentators noted that multiple investigations into Trump-era matters have not resulted in criminal charges and suggested the initial reporting reflected bias. The White House has maintained that all accusations against the president are unfounded.
What the Left Is Saying
Civil rights advocates and legal observers who have followed Carroll's case noted the importance of accurate reporting on federal investigations. Some progressive commentators argued that the initial media reports, even if incorrect, underscored ongoing public interest in accountability matters involving high-profile figures. Women's rights organizations have long supported Carroll's pursuit of justice after she alleged Trump assaulted her in a Manhattan department store in the 1990s.
What the Numbers Show
This marks at least the second instance in recent years where media outlets reported a federal investigation into matters related to E. Jean Carroll before official confirmation was available. In 2023, Carroll won a civil defamation case against Trump, with a jury awarding her $5 million. The Justice Department under current leadership has not pursued criminal charges related to the alleged assault.
The Bottom Line
The denial from the US attorney's office resolves confusion created by earlier reporting but does not change the underlying legal landscape surrounding Carroll's allegations. The civil case remains concluded, and no criminal proceedings are pending. Legal analysts say this episode highlights the challenges news organizations face when reporting on sensitive federal investigations before official confirmation is available.