‘Soros-backed’: Connections to billionaire George Soros face renewed criticism

Following the recent indictment of former President Donald Trump, criticisms of billionaire investor and philanthropist George Soros have made the rounds on social media and in conservative circles. Many Republicans blasted the case as politically motivated while branding Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg as “Soros-backed.”

Over the past several decades, Soros has been a major supporter of left-wing and progressive causes, both directly and indirectly. He has contributed millions of dollars to political groups that support candidates and causes that align with his beliefs.

In the case of Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, Soros donated $1 million to the political group Color of Change, which had endorsed Bragg’s campaign. This donation happened days after the group had pledged to spend $1 million on direct mailers, on-the-ground campaigning and voter turnout efforts on Bragg’s behalf. The group did not donate to Bragg’s campaign directly, as reported by the New York Times.

According to a report from the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund, the U.S. currently has 75 George Soros-backed prosecutors overseeing half of America’s 50 most populous cities. While many critics have argued that Soros’ investments undermine the criminal justice system at large, others believe that Soros’ contributions can spur change.

Billionaire investments in political campaigns are not new. According to CNBC, U.S. billionaires spent a record $880 million on the U.S. midterm elections in 2022, a 44% increase from the prior midterm.