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. 3/ Trump's newest accusation of me is absurdly false.The premise of the investigation would be laughable if the subject matter weren't so serious.He is investigating me because I supported E Jean's lawsuit –– where a jury found Trump liable for sexually assaulting her, and a…— Reid Hoffman (@reidhoffman) May 29, 2026 "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. 1/ Trump was found liable for sexually assaulting E Jean Carroll, defaming her, and now he's going after her again.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.— Reid Hoffman (@reidhoffman) May 29, 2026 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.
