Donald Trump is betting big on a radical idea. He boldly advocates for criminal charges against billionaire financier and philanthropist George Soros, including for invoking the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. This call happens amid a backdrop of right-wing conspiracies. These conspiracies claim that Soros masterminded, funded, or directed left-wing protests, riots, and civil disorder all over the country.
Soros is a Jewish Holocaust-survivor. As a result, he has become the villain in many of the far-right’s baseless conspiracy theories. His philanthropic organization, the Open Society Foundations, seeks to advance human rights, justice and democratic governance around the world. These attempts invariably put him at the heart of anti-Semitic tropes. His opponents are eager to paint him as some sort of Svengali pulling the strings behind unrest and political instability.
In a series of breathless tweets, Trump has leveled an array of incendiary charges against Soros. He asserts that Soros is funding rioters in America and protestors outside the home of U.S. He’s unleashed these allegations on Alex Soros, the son of George Soros. He argues that each has played a role in instigating violent protests around the country.
“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,” – Donald Trump
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have similarly embraced conspiracy theories that link Soros to politically destabilizing activities. And these narratives are popular and prevalent in right-wing media. Instead, they’ve used him as a dangerous boogeyman to stave off losses and drive GOP turnout on behalf of Trump and other conservatives.
Despite these claims by Trump, no criminal charges have been brought against Soros so far. The Open Society Foundations has vigorously denied any wrongdoing. A spokesperson for the organization stated:
“These accusations are outrageous and false. The Open Society Foundations do not support or fund Violent Protests.” – Open Society Foundation spokesperson
Conspiracy theories continue to circulate among some political elites. The fact that the controversy surrounding Soros is itself controversial should be enough to demonstrate the insidious connection between philanthropy, politics, and misinformation. This debate doesn’t just draw distracting and confusing lines between good and bad, legitimate and illegitimate claims. We need to think about the impacts on the people who are subject to these claims.
“Our mission is to advance human rights, justice, and democratic principles at home and around the world.” – Open Society Foundation spokesperson
As conspiracy theories continue to circulate in certain political circles, the controversy surrounding Soros highlights the intersection of philanthropy, politics, and misinformation. The ongoing discourse raises significant questions about the impact of such unfounded claims on public perception and the potential consequences for individuals targeted by them.
