In a dramatic departure from longstanding norms of prosecutorial independence, a senior Justice Department official has directed federal prosecutors across the U.S. to draft plans for investigating the Open Society Foundations—the philanthropic network funded by billionaire George Soros. The move, confirmed by The New York Times, signals a sharp escalation in the Trump administration’s campaign against perceived political adversaries .
Why Is the Justice Department Targeting Soros Now?
The directive, issued by Aakash Singh—a lawyer in the office of Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche—lists potential criminal charges ranging from material support for terrorism to racketeering (RICO) and wire fraud. It specifically cites a report from the conservative watchdog group Capital Research Center, which alleges the foundation has “poured over $80 million into groups tied to terrorism or extremist violence” .
🚨 Key Allegations Driving the Investigation
- Funding of al-Haq, a Palestinian human rights group designated by Israel as a terrorist front in 2022.
- Support for U.S.-based progressive organizations involved in protests and civil disobedience.
- Alleged role in “violent protest” movements, per President Trump’s public statements.
A Break from Justice Department Tradition
For decades, the Justice Department has operated under strict guidelines to avoid politically motivated investigations—especially those targeting private citizens based on their political donations or advocacy. Legal experts warn this directive undermines that firewall.
“This is not law enforcement—it’s weaponization of the DOJ,” said Barbara McQuade, former U.S. Attorney and University of Michigan law professor.
Timeline of Escalating Actions
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Early Sept. 2025 | Right-wing activist Charlie Kirk killed in Utah; Trump blames “radical left.” |
| Mid-Sept. 2025 | Trump publicly demands Soros be “put in jail” on NBC News. |
| Sept. 19, 2025 | DOJ indicts former FBI Director James Comey. |
| Sept. 23, 2025 | Aakash Singh issues memo to U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in 6+ districts. |
| Sept. 25, 2025 | Attorney General Pam Bondi states “everything is on the table” regarding Soros. |
What Is the Open Society Foundations?
Founded by George Soros in the 1980s, the Open Society Foundations (OSF) supports democratic governance, human rights, and legal reform globally. In the U.S., it funds voting rights initiatives, criminal justice reform, and immigrant advocacy. The organization explicitly denies supporting violence or terrorism .
OSF Statement: “Our activities are peaceful and lawful. These politically motivated attacks aim to silence civil society and undermine the First Amendment.”
Political Fallout and Legal Concerns
Over 100 liberal philanthropies have signed a joint letter condemning the investigation as an abuse of power. Meanwhile, Soros’s family recently donated $10 million to Democratic redistricting efforts in California—further inflaming partisan tensions .
Critics argue the DOJ’s actions mirror tactics used in authoritarian regimes to criminalize dissent. Supporters claim it’s a necessary step to hold “shadowy networks” accountable.
For deeper context on the politicization of federal agencies, see our analysis on how the Justice Department lost its independence.
