Congressman Urges DOJ to Investigate Organizations Linked to George Soros’ Philanthropic Network
Posted onOctober 13, 2025 ByadminNo Commentson Congressman Urges DOJ to Investigate Organizations Linked to George Soros’ Philanthropic Network
In a recent political development that has reignited debate over the influence of private funding on American activism, Republican Congressman Buddy Carter of Georgia has formally called upon the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to open an investigation into several nonprofit and activist organizations reportedly supported by billionaire philanthropist George Soros and his associated Open Society Foundations (OSF).

Carter’s demand, outlined in a detailed letter addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi, seeks a “comprehensive and immediate review” of the activities and financial networks of groups that have allegedly benefited from Soros-backed initiatives. His primary concern, according to the correspondence, is that some of these organizations may be contributing to politically motivated unrest or enabling the promotion of violent or extremist activism within the United States.

“The federal government must ensure that no group uses charitable or nonprofit status as a disguise for political manipulation or violence,” Carter wrote in his statement. “American democracy relies on transparency, accountability, and respect for lawful activism—not covert financial networks that could destabilize society.”

The Background of the Request
The congressman’s letter comes after the publication of a report by the Capital Research Center (CRC), a Washington, D.C.–based watchdog organization known for monitoring major donors, foundations, and nonprofit entities that engage in political or social influence campaigns. The CRC’s latest findings suggest that the Open Society Foundations, an international philanthropic network established by Soros in the 1980s, has directed more than $80 million toward groups and initiatives that have, at times, participated in or supported protests which escalated into acts of violence or civil unrest.

The report, which has already attracted significant media attention, names multiple organizations and details their financial connections to Soros-linked grants. While the report does not accuse these groups of direct involvement in criminal behavior, it argues that the financial pathways and ideological overlap among some activist networks warrant a federal investigation into whether nonprofit funds have been misused or have indirectly facilitated illegal actions.

Concerns About Political Violence and Funding Networks
Carter’s appeal echoes growing concern among some lawmakers that philanthropic funding structures have become deeply intertwined with political mobilization and, in rare cases, with unrest or violence. The CRC’s research suggests that Soros’ network has funded several organizations that played active roles in mass demonstrations during the past five years—some of which, according to law enforcement, evolved into riots involving vandalism, property damage, and clashes with police.

One such organization, the Center for Third World Organizing (CTWO), reportedly received around $400,000 in grants from the Open Society Foundations. The CRC cited statements from CTWO’s leadership referencing the group’s participation in “street-level organizing” during the 2020 George Floyd protests, which in several cities descended into violent confrontations. The report did not accuse CTWO of instigating violence but argued that some of its training materials and public messages blurred the line between peaceful civil disobedience and unlawful activity.

The Ruckus Society, a CTWO-affiliated network that trains activists in nonviolent direct action, was also named in the report. Critics allege that Ruckus-produced manuals and workshops have included instructions on protest tactics “that may exist outside the boundaries of the law.” Such materials, they claim, could inadvertently contribute to situations where demonstrations escalate beyond lawful expression.

Allegations of Support for Extremist Movements
The political storm surrounding these allegations intensified when the BlackOUT Collective, another group reportedly linked to CTWO, was accused of co-authoring a controversial protest document that contained language sympathetic to Hamas following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel. The document, which circulated widely on social media, referenced the Ruckus Society as a partner organization and included rhetoric that federal analysts characterized as “potentially supportive of extremist narratives.”

Though there is no direct evidence that Open Society funds were used to create or promote that document, the revelation has heightened scrutiny of how international philanthropic money moves through activist networks and influences domestic debates on foreign conflicts.

Representatives of the Open Society Foundations have strongly rejected the accusations. In past statements addressing similar controversies, OSF officials have emphasized that the foundation’s mission is to “advance democracy, human rights, and social justice” through lawful and transparent grants. A spokesperson noted, “Our funding priorities are centered on openness, inclusion, and civic engagement. We categorically deny any suggestion that our grants are used to incite or endorse violence.”

Groups Identified in the Capital Research Center Report
The CRC’s report identifies several American organizations that have received funding from Soros-affiliated foundations and have, in some cases, participated in contentious political movements. Some of the most notable include:

Dream Defenders – This racial justice organization reportedly received $1.85 million in funding from the Open Society network. The group gained prominence for organizing protests against police brutality and advocating for prison reform policies.

Movement for Black Lives (M4BL) – According to the report, this coalition of advocacy groups received nearly $18 million from Soros-backed foundations for racial equity initiatives. While M4BL has publicly condemned violence, its critics claim that some affiliated protests have resulted in property damage or confrontations with law enforcement.

Dissenters – A youth-led activist network focused on anti-war and anti-policing campaigns, Dissenters allegedly received $200,000 from the Open Society Foundations. The CRC report asserts that the group helped develop materials encouraging “direct action” that might border on illegality.

Sunrise Movement – A high-profile environmental organization focused on climate change activism, particularly the “Stop Cop City / Defend the Atlanta Forest” campaign, which opposes the construction of a police training complex in Georgia. The report claims that the group received over $2 million from Soros-linked sources. Federal officials have previously noted that some participants in the Atlanta protests were associated with anarchist groups and had engaged in acts of vandalism.

Though each organization has denied any wrongdoing, Carter’s letter argues that the pattern of funding and the political nature of these causes warrant oversight by federal authorities. “It is not the job of private billionaires or their foundations to determine the direction of American activism,” Carter said. “When philanthropy begins to function as a tool of political power, it risks eroding public trust.”

Political Reactions and Growing Divides
The congressman’s request has reignited partisan tension on Capitol Hill, where debates over money in politics and the role of wealthy donors are already highly polarized. Supporters of Carter’s proposal insist that the investigation is necessary to protect public safety and to ensure that nonprofit entities are not circumventing federal laws that regulate political activity, foreign influence, or financial transparency.

Critics, however, see the effort as politically motivated. Progressive lawmakers and advocacy groups argue that the move is part of a broader conservative campaign to discredit left-leaning social movements and suppress legitimate activism. They note that Soros’ philanthropic network has historically funded democracy initiatives, media freedom, and anti-corruption campaigns around the world—many of which have operated openly and legally.

An Open Society spokesperson responded to earlier inquiries about the report, stating:
“Our grants are fully transparent and publicly available. We adhere to U.S. law and international standards for nonprofit governance. Any claim that our work supports violence or extremist ideologies is false and politically motivated.”

Request for DOJ Oversight and Coordination
In his letter, Congressman Carter urged the Department of Justice to collaborate with multiple federal agencies to assess whether Soros-funded groups have engaged in or facilitated illegal activity. He specifically mentioned coordination with the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to trace potential misuse of charitable funds.

“The American people deserve transparency,” Carter wrote. “If nonprofit organizations are operating under the guise of philanthropy while supporting violence or instability, the DOJ must intervene.”

His proposal calls for an inquiry into potential violations of federal laws concerning sedition, conspiracy, and civil disorder, as well as the possible misuse of tax-exempt status for political gain.

The Broader Debate: Activism vs. Security
Experts say that Carter’s move reflects a larger dilemma facing modern democracies—the tension between protecting free expression and association and maintaining public order and national security. In recent years, the boundary between activism and extremism has grown increasingly blurred, especially as digital communication enables global coordination in real time.

Dr. Andrea Klein, a political science professor at Georgetown University, explained, “This issue represents a deeper struggle in American society. On one hand, we value free speech and protest as essential democratic rights. On the other, we face the reality that some protests have led to violence or have been infiltrated by more radical actors.”

Civil liberties organizations, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have warned that expanding federal scrutiny of activist and nonprofit groups could have a chilling effect on freedom of expression. In a statement responding to Carter’s proposal, the ACLU said:
“Federal investigations into nonprofit networks must be based on clear evidence of criminal behavior—not on ideological or political differences. Overreach in this area could undermine the very freedoms our Constitution is designed to protect.”

Possible Next Steps and Political Impact
As of now, the Department of Justice has not publicly responded to Carter’s letter. It remains unclear whether an investigation will be initiated. However, sources on Capitol Hill suggest that several members of the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees are reviewing the CRC report and may schedule hearings to discuss its findings.

If the DOJ chooses to proceed, the inquiry could involve comprehensive financial audits, subpoenas for communications, and coordination with state attorneys general to trace how philanthropic funds are distributed and applied within U.S. activist networks. Analysts suggest that such a process could take months or even years, depending on the complexity of the financial relationships involved.

Regardless of whether formal action is taken, the controversy underscores a critical and recurring theme in modern politics: the immense influence that private wealth and foundations can exert on public discourse. Some lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have begun calling for greater transparency across the nonprofit sector to ensure that all funding—whether from conservative or progressive sources—remains compliant with federal law.

Dr. Klein summarized it this way:
“This isn’t just about George Soros. It’s about the growing need for accountability in how philanthropy intersects with activism. When billions of dollars circulate through nonprofit channels that can shape political movements, the public has a right to ask where that money goes and what it’s being used for.”

A Broader Reflection on Philanthropy and Power
The ongoing conversation surrounding Carter’s call for a DOJ investigation reflects a larger question that extends beyond party politics: What is the role of private influence in a democratic society?

Philanthropy has long been celebrated for its capacity to fund education, healthcare, social justice, and innovation. Yet when private giving becomes deeply entangled with political agendas—whether from the right or the left—it raises concerns about accountability and democratic integrity.

As this debate continues to unfold, lawmakers, activists, and citizens alike face a fundamental question: How can society preserve the benefits of charitable giving while ensuring that wealth does not distort democracy?

Whether the Justice Department will act on Representative Carter’s request remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the controversy has reignited one of the most contentious and enduring discussions in American public life—the delicate balance between philanthropy, activism, and political power.