In May 2026, reports indicated the Justice Department had opened a criminal inquiry into E. Jean Carroll focused on possible perjury during her civil lawsuits against President Trump, particularly statements about outside funding from a nonprofit tied to Reid Hoffman. The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois promptly denied any investigation into Carroll herself. No formal charges or indictments have followed, and the civil verdicts awarding Carroll over $5 million have withstood appeals, including recent Supreme Court declinations. Trader assessments of federal charging prospects by year-end reflect the initial probe announcements offset by the subsequent denial, absence of grand jury activity, and limited public updates since the spring developments. Resolution hinges on whether the DOJ advances the matter to indictment before the market deadline.