Trump Pushing Soros to RICO Prosecution

Florence,,Italy,–,May,09,2014:,George,Soros,,The,Hungarian-born

Trump Threatens Soros with Prosecution A direct presidential threat targets Soros, accusing him of backing violent protests and raising concerns about philanthropic overreach.

Story Highlights

President Donald Trump accused George Soros of supporting violent protests.
Trump suggested prosecution under RICO statutes.
The Open Society Foundations (OSF) denied any involvement in violence.
Allegations fuel debate over philanthropy’s role in politics.

Trump’s Accusations Against Soros

On August 27, 2025, President Donald Trump accused philanthropist George Soros and his son Alexander of financially supporting violent protests in the United States. The remarks were made in a post on Truth Social, where Trump suggested both could face prosecution under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

The Open Society Foundations, established by Soros, denied the allegations, emphasizing that the organization funds lawful initiatives and requires grantees to comply with the law. In a statement, OSF reiterated its commitment to democracy, civil society, and peaceful protest.Trump’s remarks come at a time of heightened political polarization in the U.S., with philanthropy often a flashpoint in debates over influence and accountability. For years, Soros has been a frequent target of partisan criticism and conspiracy theories, though no legal evidence has connected him or his foundation to violent activity.

The Role of Open Society Foundations

Founded in 1993, OSF has distributed more than $23 billion globally, supporting causes including criminal justice reform, public health, and voting rights. The foundation transitioned leadership to Alexander Soros in 2023, continuing its focus on progressive policy initiatives.

Despite persistent accusations from critics, no court cases or investigations have substantiated claims that OSF finances violent activity. According to Columbia Law School professor Gillian Metzger, “The legal threshold for connecting philanthropic funding to criminal conspiracy is extremely high, and courts have historically been skeptical of such claims.”

Legal and Political Context

While Trump suggested RICO prosecution, legal experts note that such cases typically require extensive evidence of coordinated criminal conduct. NYU constitutional law professor Rick Pildes told The New York Times in 2024 that applying RICO to political or philanthropic activities would face “significant constitutional and evidentiary challenges.”

No formal legal action has been announced by the Trump administration as of late August 2025. However, the rhetoric has intensified partisan divisions and raised new questions about how far government oversight of philanthropy could extend.OSF continues to operate its grantmaking programs while publicly rejecting the allegations. Policy experts suggest that the episode highlights the growing intersection between politics, philanthropy, and protest movements in the U.S.