President Donald Trump has directed federal law enforcement to launch investigations into liberal groups and donors, centering on allegations that some of these organizations receive funding from billionaire philanthropist George Soros. The move comes amid escalating political tensions and recent violent incidents that Trump claims are tied to leftwing “domestic terrorism.”
The initiative reportedly stems from a memorandum issued by a senior Justice Department official instructing U.S. attorney’s offices to evaluate potential criminal charges—ranging from racketeering and wire fraud to providing material support for terrorism—against the Open Society Foundations (OSF), a major Sorosfunded network.
Trump has publicly named Soros, and in some remarks also Reid Hoffman, as possible targets of the crackdown, though he has thus far presented no concrete evidence linking them to violent acts.
Justice Department Memo Spurs Investigations Across U.S. Attorneys’ Offices
According to multiple reports, a Justice Department directive from a senior official — under Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s office — called on U.S. attorneys in major districts including New York, Washington, California, and Chicago to prepare plans to investigate the OSF and associated groups.
The memo suggests possible charges such as fraud, money laundering, racketeering, and supporting terrorism. It also cites a conservative watchdog report asserting that Soros’s grant networks funneled tens of millions of dollars to activist and nonprofit organizations that allegedly share ties to radical causes.
While the DOJ has declined to confirm the existence of the directive, officials maintain that investigating entities suspected of enabling violence is within the department’s mandate.
Trump’s Presidential Memorandum Targets “LeftWing Terror Networks”
On the same day the investigative memo surfaced, Trump signed a presidential memorandum aimed at identifying, disrupting, and dismantling what his administration describes as organized leftwing domestic terrorism networks.
The directive mobilizes multiple agencies—including the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Treasury Department—to trace financial supports and affiliations. Trump and other officials have asserted that the movement is historic in scope, calling for a governmentwide effort to root out political violence and targeting funders of agitators.
During the announcement, Trump hinted that Soros and venture capitalist Reid Hoffman may come under scrutiny, though he did not provide substantiated links to violent activity.
Open Society Foundations Denounce the Probe as Politically Motivated
In response, the Open Society Foundations vehemently rejected the allegations. They described the reported probe as a “politically motivated attack on civil society” designed to silence dissent and suppress free speech under the guise of national security. They emphasized that their operations are lawful, nonviolent, and focused on democracy, human rights, and public policy reforms.
OSF also underscored that they categorically condemn terrorism and have no involvement with groups that espouse violence.
Political and Legal Fallout Expected
Critics warn that Trump’s move blurs constitutional lines, raising serious First Amendment concerns about targeting organizations based on political alignment. Observers predict court challenges to any prosecutions of nonprofits or donors, arguing that sweeping criminal claims may be used to intimidate opposition.
Washington insiders suggest that the probe fits a broader pattern of weaponizing federal agencies against political rivals. Trump had previously called for racketeering charges against Soros and his son, alleging without evidence that they supported violent protests.
As the investigations advance, their scope, legal defensibility, and political consequences remain deeply uncertain.