The Justice Department is investigating two lawsuits involving E. Jean Carroll, who accused Donald Trump of sexual assault. Carroll, a former magazine writer aged 82, won defamation cases against Trump, prompting inquiries into legal costs paid by donations from Reid Hoffman, the billionaire LinkedIn co-founder.
This investigation is centered on contributions from a nonprofit established by Hoffman for Carroll’s legal expenses. Prosecutors face difficulties in pursuing charges, with unclear potential allegations.
Andrew S. Boutros, U.S. attorney in Chicago, stated that no criminal probes into Carroll have started. He made no mention of Hoffman. On social media, Hoffman responded, stating that Trump aims at him due to his support for Carroll’s lawsuit.
Carroll has avoided commenting through her representative.
For charges to be viable, substantial prosecutorial challenges exist. These revolve around financial backings from Hoffman, alleged to have been concealed, as claimed by Trump’s attorneys before Carroll’s April 2023 trial.