Prosecutors would face substantial hurdles in potentially pursuing charges against Ms. Carroll, who twice won cases against Donald Trump, or the billionaire who helped pay her lawyers.

© Jefferson Siegel for The New York Times

How long can decent people continue to work for such a corrupted institution?

© Adam Gray/Reuters

The Justice Department is said to be examining the funding of lawsuits brought by E. Jean Carroll, an author who has never sought a public role, political power or governmental authority.

© Dave Sanders for The New York Times