In a recent escalation of his long-standing criticism of high-profile political donors, former President Donald Trump has leveled serious accusations against billionaire philanthropist George Soros and his son, Alex Soros. Trump alleges that their financial contributions to advocacy groups and protest movements across the United States have fueled civil unrest and illegal activities. He made these claims on Truth Social, urging prosecution under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
The RICO Act, a part of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970, is designed to combat organized crime by enabling the prosecution of leaders of enterprises involved in a pattern of racketeering activity. The application of RICO in the political arena, however, is highly controversial and legally complex, with experts noting the difficulty in proving a consistent pattern of criminal enterprise, especially in the context of political funding or advocacy.
Trump's accusations specifically target the Soros family's support of CASA, an organization that advocates for immigrants, which he claims promotes policies that encourage illegal immigration. He labeled the Soros family as "psychopaths" causing "great damage" to the nation and insisted that their actions have prevented America from being free.
Records indicate that Soros-affiliated foundations, such as the Open Society Foundations, have made substantial contributions to CASA and related groups. In 2023 alone, CASA received $250,000, and its political action committee, CASA in Action, was awarded $1.6 million. Furthermore, Human Rights First, an organization that has legally contested Trump-era immigration policies, received nearly $6.2 million from Soros between 2016 and 2021.
The debate intensified during a CASA-organized rally when ICE agents attempted to detain Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an accused MS-13 member. Supporters and activists, including Lydia Walther-Rodriguez, intervened, claiming Garcia was being unfairly targeted by the previous administration's deportation policies.
Breitbart and other critics have pointed to these events as evidence of a broader pattern of civil unrest that they argue is facilitated by wealthy donors like Soros. Soros's funding has also been linked to anti-Israel demonstrations, with reports of over $15 million contributed to organizations associated with post-October 7, 2023, Hamas-related protests.
Supporters of Soros's philanthropic efforts argue that the financial support is essential for advancing human rights, civil liberties, and immigration advocacy. They emphasize the importance of philanthropy in addressing both global and domestic challenges.
The controversy surrounding Trump's call for RICO charges against the Soroses underscores the ongoing debates about the role of high-profile donors in shaping activism and national policy. As legal experts and investigators consider the feasibility of such charges, the situation brings to light the tensions between free political advocacy, philanthropy, and legal accountability.
