DOJ Investigates E. Jean Carroll and Reid Hoffman Over Lawsuit Funding

The United States Department of Justice launched a criminal investigation into whether E. Jean Carroll committed perjury during her civil lawsuits against President Donald Trump. The probe focuses on a 2022 deposition where Carroll claimed she received no outside funding for her legal fees, a statement later contradicted by revelations that American Future Republic, a nonprofit backed by LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, provided financial support.

While initial reports indicated Carroll was the primary target, U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros of the Northern District of Illinois later stated his office had not opened a criminal investigation into Carroll herself. Instead, the focus shifted to American Future Republic, which is being investigated for potential money-laundering conspiracy and obstruction. A federal appeals court had previously ruled there was no evidence Carroll purposely lied about her funding, suggesting she may have simply forgotten the limited support.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche recused himself from the probe due to his previous role as Trump's personal attorney. Reid Hoffman condemned the inquiry as a fraudulent attempt to silence critics and a retaliatory move by the Trump administration. The investigation follows civil jury verdicts that found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll approximately $88.3 million in damages, which Trump continues to appeal.