Trump Calls for George Soros's Imprisonment, Accuses Him of "Agitation"
Former President Donald Trump has publicly stated that billionaire philanthropist George Soros "should be in jail," escalating his attacks against the 95-year-old Democratic donor. Trump's accusations center on Soros's alleged funding of protests and demonstrations against his administration.
Trump's Accusations and Demands
Speaking on Fox & Friends, Trump said, "We're going to look into Soros, because I think it's a RICO case against him and other people." He insisted that the activities were "more than like protests," characterizing them as "real agitation." In a subsequent call with NBC News, Trump doubled down on his stance, stating that Soros is "a bad guy."
The Open Society Foundation's Response
The Open Society Foundation, founded by George Soros and currently chaired by Alex Soros, funds progressive causes globally, emphasizing justice, human rights, and combating corruption. In response to Trump's allegations, the foundation reiterated a previous statement, calling the accusations "outrageous and false."
OSF's Statement on Funding and Protests
The Open Society Foundation stated, "The Open Society Foundations...do not support or fund violent protests." They emphasized that all grantees must comply with the law and uphold a shared commitment to human rights, dignity, and nonviolence. The statement added, "We stand for fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, including the rights to free speech and peaceful protest." The foundation also clarified they do not pay individuals to protest, nor do they directly train or coordinate protestors.
Context: RICO Allegations and DOJ Investigations
Trump's reference to RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) is significant, as the law is designed to target organized crime. Notably, Trump himself faces RICO-like charges in Georgia related to alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. The timing of Trump's remarks coincides with ongoing Department of Justice investigations into various Democratic figures and critics of his policies. The FBI recently searched the home of John Bolton, Trump's former national security advisor, concerning classified information handling.
