US President Donald Trump has called for federal criminal charges against billionaire philanthropist George Soros and his son, Alex Soros, alleging they are responsible for funding violent protests across the United States.
Posting on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday (August 27), Trump accused the Soros family of being part of an “organized criminal enterprise” and said they should face prosecution under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) – a federal law designed to combat mafia-style organized crime.
“George Soros, and his wonderful Radical Left son, should be charged with RICO because of their support of Violent Protests, and much more,” Trump wrote, adding: “Soros, and his group of psychopaths, have caused great damage to our Country! … Be careful, we’re watching you!”
Trump did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.
Soros Foundation Rejects Allegations
In response, the Open Society Foundations (OSF), founded by George Soros and now led by his son Alex, dismissed Trump’s accusations as “outrageous and false.”
A spokesperson told AFP:
“The Open Society Foundations do not support or fund violent protests. Our mission is to advance human rights, justice, and democratic principles at home and around the world.”
The foundation emphasized its commitment to peaceful protest and free speech, describing them as “hallmarks of any vibrant democracy.”
Background
George Soros, 95, a Hungarian-born Holocaust survivor and billionaire investor, has long been a target of far-right conspiracy theories linking him to liberal causes, Democratic campaigns, and protest movements.
Recent demonstrations in Los Angeles against immigration raids reignited unverified claims that Soros-backed groups were behind violent actions, though fact-checkers debunked viral images alleging Soros-linked activists had staged the unrest.
Soros and his son have also been significant donors to Democratic candidates, including Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign, contributing more than $85 million, according to media reports.
Trump’s Longstanding Feud with Soros
Trump has frequently blamed Soros for his political and legal troubles. During his 2024 hush money trial, Trump alleged that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg was “controlled” by Soros – a claim Soros denied.
The billionaire philanthropist has also been recognized for his global work in democracy and human rights. In 2023, President Joe Biden awarded Soros the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his philanthropic contributions.
What Is the RICO Act?
The RICO Act, enacted in 1970, allows prosecutors to target individuals engaged in organized criminal enterprises if they commit at least two related offenses within a decade. The law has historically been used against mafia groups, drug cartels, financial fraud schemes, and corrupt officials.
Trump’s suggestion to apply RICO against the Soros family is unprecedented, and legal experts note that no evidence has been presented to meet the law’s requirements.
Has Soros Faced Legal Scrutiny Before?
Soros has previously faced financial regulatory cases, including:
A 2002 conviction in France for insider trading, resulting in a $2.25 million fine.
Settlements in the US and Hungary over allegations of market manipulation.
However, none of these cases were connected to political protests or activism.
Alex Soros’s Role
Since 2023, Alex Soros has taken over leadership of the OSF, steering the foundation through internal restructuring while maintaining its financial and political support for progressive causes. He has also become a more public figure, openly backing Democratic candidates.
Current Status
As of now, no law enforcement agency has announced any investigation into George or Alex Soros based on Trump’s RICO allegations. Analysts suggest the comments reflect Trump’s broader strategy of targeting political opponents and liberal financiers, rather than signaling imminent legal action.
For now, the dispute underscores the deepening polarization in American politics, with Soros remaining a symbolic lightning rod in Trump’s rhetoric as the 2026 midterm election cycle approaches.
