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DOJ probe targets Reid Hoffman nonprofit tied to E. Jean Carroll case

The Department of Justice is investigating the nonprofit of billionaire Reid Hoffman, which made contributions that were partially used for E. Jean Carroll's legal expenses during her civil lawsuit against President Trump, a source familiar tells Axios. Why it matters: The investigation raises concerns about a pattern of retaliation against Trump critics while testing the independence of DOJ officials. Hoffman, a LinkedIn co-founder, has donated millions to Democratic causes and the party over the years and is a longtime Trump critic. The president previously alleged Hoffman is a funder of "radical left" groups that promote political violence. What they're saying: "The investigation is more focused on Reid Hoffman's nonprofit," American Future Republic, than Carroll herself, a source familiar with the DOJ's operations tells Axios. "It's related to E. Jean Carroll and her deposition, but she is not the subject of the investigation." "The investigation is ongoing... but as of right now, it would be inaccurate to say that she is being investigated." The White House referred Axios to the DOJ for comment. The DOJ and Carroll's legal team declined to comment. Hoffman did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment. Flashback: Carroll accused Trump of sexual assault at a Manhattan department store in the 1990s, filing a civil suit against him. Trump was initially found liable for sexual abuse and defamation and fined $5 million. Trump has appealed the case to the Supreme Court, but the court has not decided if it will hear the case. Context: Carroll was previously questioned about a 2022 deposition in which she said she received no outside funding for her lawsuit, but her attorneys later said that Hoffman's nonprofit covered some of her legal expenses. Dmitri Mehlhorn, then a philanthropic adviser for Hoffman, said in a 2017 statement that the nonprofit made a donation to the Kaplan Hecker & Fink law firm for a different public interest lawsuit. But when the firm

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Why $250 bills bearing Trump's face are a tough legal sell

Republican lawmakers want a $250 bill featuring President Trump for the nation's 250th anniversary celebration, but the proposal faces legal and legislative hurdles. Why it matters: Federal law bars living people from appearing on U.S. currency, creating a significant obstacle to the proposal without congressional action. State of play: The Washington Post reported Thursday that, despite the stalled legislation, U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach and his senior adviser requested prototypes of the $250 bill. The Treasury Department already announced that the president's signature will appear on paper currency to honor the nation's 250th, a first for a sitting president. Catch up quick: A Treasury spokeswoman confirmed to Axios that in response to "active legislation," the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) was "moving proactively" to produce the "commemorative note" and "conducting appropriate planning and due diligence." Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) introduced a bill last year that would require Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to print $250 notes featuring Trump's portrait, but the proposal has stalled in the House Committee on Financial Services. A Republican committee aide told Axios the panel is talking with its members and senators about the idea. Behind the scenes: A spokesman for Wilson said the congressman had discussed moving the bill forward with the committee's chair multiple times and that both Bessent and Trump spoke with Wilson "about their support for this on multiple occasions." Beach backed Wilson's proposal and offered to draft mock-ups of the proposed note, per a letter provided to Axios by the congressman's office. Beach acknowledged in the correspondence he was aware the law banned living people from appearing on U.S. currency but added that he believes it is "appropriate for us to honor the sitting President for the 250-year celebration." However, Beach "never asked staff to print the $250 note before congressional action occurs," the Treasury spokes

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