US DOJ pushes prosecutors to target George Soros’s foundation
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Trump and several Republicans allege that the foundation secretly supports violent protests and unrest.
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George Soros, Founder and Chairman of the Open Society Foundations deliver his speech entitled "How to save the European Union" as he attends the European Council On Foreign Relations Annual Council Meeting conference in Paris, Tuesday, May 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
A senior Justice Department official has instructed several US attorney’s offices to prepare investigative plans targeting the Open Society Foundations, the global grant-making network funded by billionaire George Soros.
The directive, viewed by The New York Times, reflects growing concerns that the Justice Department is acting on direct orders from US President Donald Trump to pursue his political adversaries, a move critics argue undermines the department’s long-standing independence.
The development comes amid Trump’s repeated calls to prosecute Soros, a prominent Democratic donor who has long been a target for conservative criticism. In recent weeks, Trump intensified his attacks, especially after the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in Utah. He accused Soros and his foundation of fueling unrest, demanding that the billionaire be jailed.
Trump has also pressured Attorney General Pam Bondi to accelerate efforts against former FBI Director James B Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, both of whom are pursuing legal cases against him. Federal prosecutors in Virginia are already exploring potential charges, with grand jury proceedings reportedly on the horizon.
Allegations against Open Society Foundations
Founded decades ago, the Open Society Foundations initially focused on supporting "democratic reforms" in communist and post-communist states before expanding its work in the United States during the 1990s. The foundation provides grants to organizations advocating for human rights, equity, and democracy.
However, Trump and several Republicans allege that the foundation secretly supports violent protests and unrest. A recent report by the conservative Capital Research Center claimed the organization directed over $80 million to groups linked to extremism, citing al-Haq, a Palestinian human rights organization, which was blacklisted by the Israeli government in 2022.
The Open Society Foundations rejected the accusations, stressing that its work is peaceful and lawful. It argued that such claims are politically motivated attempts to discredit civil society groups and silence dissent.
Soros family’s continued political involvement
Despite mounting scrutiny, the Soros family continues to play a significant role in US politics. Recently, they donated $10 million to Democratic-led efforts aimed at redrawing congressional districts in California, a move seen as part of the broader struggle for control of Congress.
Meanwhile, Justice Department officials, including Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s office, have urged prosecutors in California, New York, Washington, DC, Chicago, Detroit, and Maryland to consider potential charges against the foundation, ranging from racketeering to providing material support for terrorism.
A Justice Department spokesperson defended the directive, asserting that prosecutors are committed to protecting public safety and investigating any organization suspected of criminal activity.
