U.S. Considers Terror Charges Against George Soros’ Open Society Foundations
The U.S. Justice Department is reportedly weighing terrorism and racketeering charges against George Soros’ Open Society Foundations. Nearly 200 major philanthropic organizations have condemned what they call a “politically motivated attack on civil society,” warning that “American democracy is at risk.”
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering launching an investigation into the Open Society Foundations (OSF), one of the country’s largest nonprofit organizations, on allegations of “terrorism and organized crime.”
According to The New York Times, Justice Department officials have instructed regional prosecutors to draft investigation plans targeting OSF. On the same day, the White House issued a sweeping directive ordering law enforcement agencies to “disband and uproot networks linked to domestic terrorism,” explicitly including nonprofits in its scope.
In a statement, OSF denounced the accusations as “entirely political attacks”:
“The Open Society Foundations unequivocally condemn terrorism and do not fund terrorism. Our activities are peaceful and lawful. These actions are politically motivated attempts to silence ideas the administration disagrees with and undermine the First Amendment right to free speech.”
Joint Response From 200 Foundations
More than 200 prominent U.S. charities — including the Ford, MacArthur, Packard, and Rockefeller Foundations — issued a joint letter condemning the government’s stance.
“The exploitation of political violence as a pretext to target civil society poses a grave threat to freedom of speech and the freedom to give,” the letter stated.
Diane Yentel, President of the National Council of Nonprofits, emphasized that “there is no evidence linking 501(c)(3) charities to acts of political violence,” calling the allegations “unfounded and dangerous.”
“This Is Not About Soros — It’s About Democracy”
OSF President Binaifer Nowrojee said the developments reflect a deeper democratic crisis:
“This is not about George Soros. This is about the United States slowly losing its democracy, bit by bit, in ways we’ve seen happen elsewhere in the world.”
Trump’s comments also targeted LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, accusing him of “supporting left-wing terrorism.” Hoffman has not responded to the allegations, while numerous nonprofits have issued public messages of solidarity with OSF.
Debate Over the ‘Freedom to Give’
Nancy Lindborg, CEO of the Packard Foundation, speaking during the UN General Assembly week in New York, said the “freedom to give” is a core value of American democracy — and one that is now under threat.
“We are witnessing social fragmentation, declining trust in institutions, and deepening inequality,” she warned, urging solidarity within the philanthropic community.
Faith Groups Join in Protest
Religious organizations also voiced concern. Paul Raushenbush, President of the Interfaith Alliance, called the federal actions “an attempt to silence free thought.”
“People across the political spectrum must recognize the danger of this moment,” he said. “Suppressing free speech is not a partisan issue — it’s a democratic one.”
