Federal prosecutors in Chicago are reportedly investigating E. Jean Carroll, a writer who brought civil lawsuits against President Donald Trump, over allegations that she may have made false statements under oath. The inquiry, first reported by CNN and cited in other news outlets, centers on Carroll's sworn testimony from a 2022 deposition regarding financial support for her legal proceedings.
At the heart of the investigation is Carroll’s statement during her deposition that she had not received outside funding for her litigation against President Trump. Prosecutors are now reviewing whether subsequent disclosures about financial assistance could meet the legal threshold for perjury under federal law. This scrutiny reportedly stems from revelations made shortly before trial, indicating that a nonprofit organization, linked to LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, helped cover some of Carroll’s legal expenses. Hoffman, a billionaire technology entrepreneur, is known for his extensive donations to Democratic candidates and political organizations.
President Trump’s legal team had previously expressed concerns about the timing of these disclosures, arguing that the financial arrangements should have been made clear earlier in the legal process. Officials familiar with the matter have indicated that the investigation is in its preliminary stages. The initiation of a criminal probe does not automatically mean that charges will be filed, and prosecutors have not publicly alleged any wrongdoing at this point. Instead, they are examining whether Carroll’s deposition statements, and any discrepancies between her sworn testimony and later disclosures, are significant enough to warrant federal perjury charges, according to reporting by The Hill.
E. Jean Carroll first publicly accused President Trump in 2019 of sexually assaulting her in a Manhattan department store dressing room during the mid-1990s. President Trump has consistently denied the allegation, stating that the claim is false and that he did not know Carroll. This dispute escalated into a series of civil lawsuits that resulted in substantial financial judgments against the President. In 2023, a New York jury found President Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll $5 million in damages. A subsequent trial in 2024 concluded with an $83.3 million judgment against President Trump for additional defamation claims stemming from his public statements about Carroll. President Trump has appealed both rulings, and these cases are currently under review within the federal appellate system.
Court records cited in various reports indicate that Carroll’s legal team later informed the court and opposing counsel that a nonprofit supported by Reid Hoffman had covered certain legal fees and related expenses. Her attorneys have maintained that Carroll herself did not directly coordinate with Hoffman or manage the funding arrangements, asserting that the assistance was handled independently through established legal channels, as reported by The Guardian.
The reported investigation also brings attention to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Blanche previously served as President Trump’s defense attorney in matters connected to the Carroll litigation. According to Trending Politics, Blanche has recused himself from the ongoing investigation due to his prior representation, leaving career prosecutors in Chicago to manage the matter independently. As of now, federal prosecutors have not announced any charges, issued public findings, or provided a timeline for any potential decisions. Carroll’s legal team has also not publicly commented on the reported investigation. The broader legal battle between Carroll and President Trump remains active, with appeals continuing in higher courts, while prosecutors separately examine whether any statements made during the civil proceedings could carry criminal implications.
