The May 2026 reports of a Justice Department criminal inquiry into E. Jean Carroll centered on possible perjury in her 2022 deposition statements denying outside funding for her civil suits against President Trump, specifically involving a Reid Hoffman-linked nonprofit. The Northern District of Illinois U.S. Attorney promptly issued a public denial that any probe targeted Carroll herself, stating the focus concerned the funding entity, with no charges filed in the ensuing months. Civil verdicts have moved forward independently: the Supreme Court declined review of the $5 million judgment in June 2026, enabling payment release, while the separate $83 million defamation award remains under appeal. Trader assessments reflect the initial reports, official clarifications, absence of subsequent enforcement steps, standard federal charging timelines, and Carroll’s age, with resolution hinging on whether DOJ advances any matter to formal indictment by December 31, 2026. No scheduled hearings or announcements have been confirmed that would alter the current posture.