Trump pledges investigation into George Soros over US riots
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Donald Trump vowed to investigate George Soros and his Open Society Foundation over allegations of funding protests and riots in the United States.
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George Soros, Founder and Chairman of the Open Society Foundations at the European Council On Foreign Relations' Annual Council Meeting in Paris, Tuesday, May 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
US President Donald Trump has pledged that his administration will open an investigation into George Soros, accusing the billionaire investor of funding mass unrest across the United States.
In an interview with Fox & Friends on Friday, Trump claimed Soros and his Open Society Foundations (OSF) bankroll “professional agitators” linked to violent demonstrations.
“They get paid for their profession from Soros and other people,” Trump said. “We’re going to look into Soros because I think it’s a RICO case against him and other people.”
Trump said the probe would examine whether Soros supported what he described as “riots on the street” rather than peaceful protests.
The remarks come after months of anti-immigration demonstrations across the US, including violent incidents in Los Angeles involving clashes with police, looting, and arson.
Read more: Protests over immigration crackdown sweep US as Trump deploys troops
RICO law and its potential use against Soros
The federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), originally designed to target organized crime, has more recently been applied in broader cases. Trump argued Soros’ alleged activities could fall under this statute.
“This is more than protests: This is real agitation,” Trump said, repeating that his administration would pursue possible charges.
This is not the first time Trump has targeted George Soros’ Open Society Foundations. Last month, he accused Soros and his son of supporting “violent protests, and much more, all throughout the United States,” calling for them to face prosecution under RICO.
Trump also tied Soros to the 2016 “Russiagate” controversy, citing declassified Senate Judiciary Committee documents that alleged OSF had links to efforts by Hillary Clinton’s campaign to accuse Trump of collusion with Russia.
Read more: Soros officially hands control of financial empire to son
Protests across the US and political fallout
The push to investigate Soros comes amid intensifying political debate over responsibility for rising unrest in the United States. Trump has consistently framed Soros as a central figure in what he calls organized attempts to destabilize the country.
While critics dismiss the allegations as politically motivated, Trump’s remarks highlight how Soros remains a key figure in debates over protests, riots, and influence in US politics.
