Washington is on edge as billionaire philanthropist George Soros finds himself at the center of a political firestorm—again. This time, it’s not just conspiracy theories or partisan attacks. Soros’s foundations are openly funding a new wave of anti-Trump protests, while the Trump administration signals it may target his organizations for investigation.
Soros-Backed ‘No Kings’ Protests Rock U.S. Cities
On Saturday, cities across the United States braced for massive demonstrations under the banner of the
‘No Kings’ protests. The rallies, organized to denounce President Trump’s government shutdown, immigration crackdown, and what critics call “authoritarian tendencies,” are being fueled by millions in funding from Soros’s philanthropic empire.
Records reveal that the
Open Society Foundations (OSF)—Soros’s
$32 billion global network—channeled at least
$7.6 million to Indivisible, one of the main progressive coalitions behind the protests. That’s a significant chunk of the group’s annual revenue, with a
$3 million grant in 2023 alone earmarked for “social welfare activities”. The OSF’s involvement is no secret, but the scale of support has drawn fresh scrutiny as political tensions escalate.
Trump Administration Threatens Crackdown on Soros Foundations
The protests come amid a dramatic escalation in rhetoric from the White House. President Trump, emboldened by recent legal actions against political opponents, publicly named Soros as a “likely candidate” for prosecution—though he offered no specifics on potential charges. Administration officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, have floated the idea of a broader crackdown on liberal groups, accusing them of fomenting unrest after the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
In an exclusive interview, OSF president
Binaifer Nowrojee pushed back hard: “This is not about George Soros. This is about the United States slowly losing its democracy bit by bit in ways that we’ve seen elsewhere in the world.” She warned that targeting philanthropic organizations for their political views is a dangerous road, drawing on her own experience growing up under dictatorship in Kenya.
Soros: Philanthropist, Lightning Rod, and Conspiracy Magnet
For decades, Soros has been a
major donor to Democratic causes and a champion of democracy and human rights worldwide. But his wealth, Jewish heritage, and outspoken liberalism have made him a favorite target for conspiracy theories and political attacks, both in the U.S. and abroad. From being falsely accused of orchestrating migrant crises to surviving an attempted bombing at his New York home, Soros’s name has become a rallying cry for both progressive activists and right-wing critics.
What’s Next for Soros and U.S. Democracy?
The current standoff raises urgent questions about the future of political dissent and philanthropy in America. If the Trump administration moves forward with investigations or prosecutions, it could set a precedent for targeting nonprofit organizations based on ideology—a move experts warn could chill free speech and civic engagement.
For now, Soros’s foundations remain defiant. “We’re not afraid,” Nowrojee told NPR. “We will continue to support democracy and human rights, no matter who is in power”.
Key Takeaways:- Soros’s Open Society Foundations are major funders of the current anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ protests.
- The Trump administration is openly considering legal action against Soros and his organizations.
- The battle over Soros’s influence is a flashpoint in the broader fight over democracy, dissent, and the limits of presidential power.
Sources
1. George Soros funding anti-Trump 'No Kings' protests in US ...
2. George Soros
3. 'We're not afraid': George Soros' foundation on being Trump's next ...
4. George Soros
5. 'No Kings' protests being funded by foundations run by George Soros
6. Tracing the Fake News Money Trail | Ohio Senate
7. How Elon Musk, George Soros and Other Billionaires Are ...
8. Congressional Record Vol. 171, No. 12 (Senate