In a move that has galvanized both progressive activists and conservative legal circles, the Trump administration has launched a formal investigation into the Open Society Foundations (OSF), the global philanthropy network founded by billionaire George Soros. The probe—framed as a crackdown on “foreign-influenced political spending”—has drawn fierce resistance, with Alex Soros, George’s son and a key OSF leader, declaring privately that the organization would back down only “over my dead body” .
Why Target Soros Now?
The investigation, spearheaded by Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Justice Department, focuses on whether OSF violated federal laws by funding U.S.-based advocacy groups that allegedly engaged in electioneering or failed to disclose foreign donor ties. Critics argue the probe is politically motivated, part of a broader Trump-era strategy to dismantle liberal infrastructure ahead of the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential race.
“This isn’t about compliance—it’s about intimidation,” said Faiz Shakir, a Democratic strategist. “Soros has long been a boogeyman on the right, and now they’re weaponizing the DOJ.”
🔍 What Is the Open Society Foundations?
- Founded in 1979 by George Soros, a Holocaust survivor and investor.
- Spent over $18 billion globally on democracy, justice, and human rights initiatives.
- Funds U.S. groups focused on voting rights, criminal justice reform, and immigrant advocacy.
- Operates in 120+ countries; U.S. grants totaled $320 million in 2024.
Timeline of Escalation
- August 2025: DOJ subpoenas OSF financial records related to 2022–2024 grants.
- September 10, 2025: IRS launches parallel audit of OSF’s tax-exempt status.
- September 24, 2025: Trump campaign releases ad linking Soros to “border chaos.”
- September 26, 2025: Alex Soros vows defiance in internal staff memo.
Groups Funded by OSF Under Scrutiny
| Organization | OSF Funding (2023–2024) | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| ACLU | $12.5 million | Civil liberties, immigrant rights |
| Brennan Center for Justice | $8.2 million | Voting rights, election security |
| Color Of Change | $6.7 million | Racial justice, media accountability |
| State Voices | $5.1 million | Voter registration, civic engagement |
Legal and Constitutional Concerns
Legal experts warn the investigation may violate First Amendment protections. “Targeting a foundation because you dislike its political views sets a dangerous precedent,” said Elizabeth Wydra, president of the Constitutional Accountability Center. “Philanthropy is protected speech.”
Still, conservative legal scholars counter that foreign-linked funding in domestic politics warrants scrutiny. “If OSF funneled money from non-U.S. entities to influence elections, that’s a felony,” said John Yoo, a law professor and former Bush administration official.
What This Means for North Americans
While the battle centers on one foundation, its ripple effects are far-reaching:
- ✅ Nonprofit Sector: Thousands of charities fear similar audits if politically active.
- ⚠️ Free Speech: Donor privacy and advocacy rights hang in the balance.
- 🗳️ Elections: Reduced funding could weaken get-out-the-vote efforts in 2026.
For more on how political targeting affects civil society, see our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:nonprofit-political-risk].
