Trump Launches Investigations Targeting Soros and Progressive Nonprofits

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump is intensifying his efforts to investigate progressive causes funded by billionaire George Soros. Trump’s renewed focus on Soros’s Open Society Foundations (OSF) comes amid a broader crackdown on left-leaning organizations following the recent death of a right-wing commentator.

Trump accused Soros of being at the center of political violence and called for investigations into groups that he claims foster such violence. In a recent statement, Trump urged the government to disrupt networks that he associates with political dissent. “Soros is at the top of everything,” Trump claimed, fueling concerns among various advocacy groups.

The OSF, now led by Soros’s son Alex, has supported a wide range of nonprofit initiatives focused on democracy, voting rights, climate justice, racial justice, and more. Public records indicate that OSF has allocated millions in funding to various organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union.

The U.S. Justice Department has directed federal attorneys to formulate plans for investigating OSF as part of Trump’s initiative. An OSF spokesperson defended the organization, stating, “We will continue to uphold our rights to free speech and due process.”

This initiative is viewed as part of a larger agenda by Trump to weaken progressive nonprofits. Republican lawmakers have proposed legislation that could revoke the nonprofit status of organizations deemed supportive of terrorism or violence. In July, the newly introduced Stop Financial Underwriting of Nefarious Demonstrations and Extremist Riots Act aimed to empower the Justice Department to prosecute such groups.

Amid this political climate, several nonprofit groups, including those focused on climate and racial justice, are banding together in preparation for intensified scrutiny. Diane Yentel, president of the National Council of Nonprofits, expressed concern over the implications of these investigations, stating they distract organizations from their missions.

Many of the nonprofits targeted have connections to Palestinian rights advocacy, a focal point in the accusations against Soros. Recent reports claim OSF has funded over $80 million to what is labeled by critics as “pro-terror” organizations, including several involved in the Palestine solidarity movement.

However, those organizations have strongly denied these accusations. Jewish Voice for Peace‘s executive director, Stefanie Fox, labeled the allegations as baseless and rooted in antisemitic conspiracy theories.

Organizations in the Palestine solidarity and environmental movements are strategizing responses to counter the increasing threats. Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, emphasized the importance of solidarity among nonprofits, regardless of potential repercussions from Trump’s administration.

As the political landscape grows increasingly hostile, these groups assert that any attack on one group is an attack on all. Leaders emphasize that they will not be intimidated into silence.

“Sunrise will not be intimidated into silence,” said Aru Shiney-Ajay, executive director of the Sunrise Movement, addressing soon-to-come protest actions scheduled despite Trump’s threats. “We will continue advocating for a livable future,” she asserted.

The situation continues to evolve, with several groups confirming participation in a mass protest against Trump’s initiatives set for October 18. As they prepare for coordinated actions, the nonprofit community remains steadfast in its mission to uphold democratic values and protect civil rights amidst external pressures.