Reid Hoffman Accuses Trump Of Retaliation After DOJ Probe Targets Nonprofit That Helped Fund E. Jean Carroll's Legal Fight: 'Cannot Be Allowed'
LinkedIn co-founder and Democratic donor Reid Hoffman is accusing President Donald Trump of weaponizing federal power after reports emerged that the Justice Department is investigating a nonprofit tied to funding writer E. Jean Carroll's legal battle against the president.
DOJ Scrutiny Puts Spotlight On E. Jean Carroll Legal Funding
On Friday, Hoffman pushed against reports that the Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation connected to Carroll's lawsuits against Trump, calling the allegations "absurdly false" and framing the scrutiny as political retaliation.
"Trump cannot be allowed to use the full weight and power of the US Government to come after women who speak up, or anyone who supports them in doing so," Hoffman wrote in a thread on X.
The White House and the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comment.
Multiple reports indicated the investigation is centered on American Future Republic, a nonprofit backed by Hoffman that reportedly helped pay for portions of Carroll's legal expenses.
According to reports, investigators are examining whether Carroll's previous statements regarding who covered her legal costs conflict with later disclosures about outside funding.
What Investigators Are Examining In The Reported Probe
The reported scrutiny appears linked to a 2022 deposition in which Carroll said no one was paying her legal fees.
Her legal team later disclosed that funding from American Future Republic helped offset some litigation expenses nearly a year after she initiated legal action.
Trump's legal team previously argued that the funding disclosures raised questions about Carroll's testimony.
However, the judge overseeing the cases ruled that the financial backing did not affect Carroll's credibility and limited questioning about it during trial proceedings.
Carroll's Civil Victories Against Trump
Carroll secured two major civil judgments against Trump.
In 2023, a federal jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll $5 million. In 2024, another jury awarded her $83.3 million in a separate defamation case.
Trump has denied Carroll's allegations and continues to appeal the judgments.
Hoffman argued the reported investigation is designed to intimidate critics.
"He is investigating me because I supported E Jean’s lawsuit," Hoffman wrote. "Trump hopes that these fraudulent investigations will silence those who stand up to him."
Adding, "He is wrong. I will not bend the knee."
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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