The Department of Justice opened a criminal investigation in late May 2026 into whether E. Jean Carroll committed perjury during depositions in her civil lawsuits against President Trump, focusing on statements about outside funding for her legal fees from sources including a nonprofit linked to Reid Hoffman. Reports indicated the probe was assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s office in Chicago, though that office publicly denied opening any investigation into Carroll herself. The inquiry follows upheld civil verdicts awarding Carroll millions in damages, now subject to ongoing appeals involving presidential immunity and substitution issues. No charges have been filed, and resolution would require formal indictment by federal prosecutors. Upcoming developments include any further statements from the DOJ or court rulings on related appeals that could clarify the probe’s scope.