Trump threatens to prosecute George Soros for backing protests
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George Soros, founder of Soros Fund Management, speaks at the World Economic Forum in 2022. Photo: Jason Alden/Bloomberg via Getty Images
President Trump called for billionaire George Soros and his son to face charges under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act for supporting nationwide protests in a post on Truth Social on Wednesday.
Why it matters: The accusations echo Trump's pattern of calling to punish or imprison his perceived political opponents as organizers mobilize nationwide against the president for his immigration policies and threats to send federal troops into American cities.
What they're saying: "George Soros, and his wonderful Radical Left son, should be charged with RICO because of their support of Violent Protests, and much more, all throughout the United States of America," Trump wrote.
- "Soros, and his group of psychopaths, have caused great damage to our Country! That includes his Crazy, West Coast friends. Be careful, we're watching you! Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
- The White House did not respond to Axios' request for comment.
The other side: "These accusations are outrageous and false," an Open Society Foundations spokesperson told Axios, before clarifying that the organization does "not support or fund violent protests."
- "We stand for fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, including the rights to free speech and peaceful protest that are hallmarks of any vibrant democracy."
Context: The federal RICO law targets organized criminal activity and can enhance punishments for actions taken as part of an organized criminal enterprise.
- RICO was historically used to target mafia members but has more recently been used to prosecute a wide variety of criminal enterprises.
Catch up quick: Conservatives have been using Soros as a bogeyman for years, and his name is often brought up in right-wing conspiracy theories due to his support of left-leaning causes.
- The Open Society Foundations supports a wide range of activism groups, including those dedicated to combating discrimination, civic participation and voter outreach.
Zoom out: The president has launched multiple investigations into his perceived opponents since returning to office, including using mortgage fraud as a tool for criminal referrals.
- He's also floated mobilizing the military against "radical left lunatics," and promised to root out the "enemies from within" the government.
Go deeper: Trump allies expand political enemies probe despite pledges: "no politicization"
