A major George Soros-funded philanthropic organization, Open Society Foundations (OSF), is firing back at what it calls “politically motivated attacks on civil society” after The New York Times reported that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is directing federal prosecutors to draft plans to investigate the group. According to the report, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s office circulated a memo this week instructing U.S. attorneys’ offices in California, New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Detroit, Maryland and elsewhere to consider a range of criminal charges against OSF, including racketeering, arson, wire fraud and providing support for terrorism.
OSF is a global pro-democracy NGO that describes itself as working “to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable to their people.”
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In a statement Thursday, OSF rejected the allegations and accused the Trump administration of weaponizing the DOJ to silence free speech and political dissent.
Trump’s campaign against left-wing groups
The move marks the latest escalation in President Donald Trump’s use of the DOJ against political opponents and left-leaning organizations. Trump has repeatedly singled out Soros, one of the country’s most prominent liberal philanthropists, as a key adversary. Earlier this month, the president floated possible racketeering charges, saying “this is more than like protests. This is real agitation.”
OSF hits back
“The Open Society Foundations unequivocally condemn terrorism and do not fund terrorism,” a statement Thursday read. “Our activities are peaceful and lawful, and our grantees are expected to abide by human rights principles and comply with the law.”
The statement also warned: “When power is abused to take away the rights of some people, it puts the rights of all people at risk. Our work in the United States is solely dedicated to strengthening democracy and upholding constitutional freedoms. We stand by the work we do to improve lives in the United States and across the world.”
Wider prosecution efforts
The development comes as Trump has vowed to prosecute Soros and expand legal action against his political opponents. Recently, he ousted a top federal prosecutor in Virginia who declined to charge former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James due to lack of evidence.
Trump replaced him with White House aide Lindsey Halligan, who is now pursing action against Comey despite finding no additional evidence.
Indictment of Comey
The DOJ has now indicted Comey on charges of false statements and obstruction over his 2020 congressional testimony about the FBI’s probe into Russian interference in the 2016 elections.
Trump celebrated the announcement on Truth Social, saying the former FBI director is “beginning to be held responsible for his crimes against our Nation.”
Comey responded, saying that his “heart is broken for the Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system, and I’m innocent. So let’s have a trial and keep the faith.”
