President Donald Trump's Justice Department has launched a federal criminal investigation into the funding of E.Jean Carroll's legal defense, the journalist who successfully sued Trump for defamation after accusing him of rape.The probe may also explore whether Carroll committed perjury regarding the source of her legal fees.

Analysts warn that this move could be counterproductive, potentially drawing renewed public attention to Trump's alleged history of sexual misconduct.

Legal experts note that Carroll could claim vindictive prosecution, leveraging previous cases dismissed due to prosecutorial missteps to strengthen her defense.

Even without a conviction, the investigation may highlight the extent to which the Trump-led Justice Department appears politically motivated, reigniting public focus on the civil jury's finding that held Trump liable for sexual assault.

This scrutiny comes as Trump continues to appeal the multimillion-dollar judgments he owes Carroll for defamation, meaning the investigation could indirectly reinforce her legal position while keeping the controversy in the national spotlight.