US Non-Profits Stand United Against Trump’s Threats

Donald Trump named the leftwing billionaire George Soros as the next on his growing list of targets for retribution

Washington, D.C. — America’s non-profit community is closing ranks after former U.S. President Donald Trump named billionaire philanthropist George Soros and his Open Society Foundations (OSF) network as his latest target.

Trump has called for investigations into what he described as OSF’s “political influence” and “funding of violence.”

But OSF has pushed back sharply.

“We always operate within the law and will never surrender our constitutional rights,” an OSF spokesperson said.

The Role of George Soros and OSF

Founded by George Soros and now led by his son Alex Soros, OSF is one of the world’s largest private funders of social justice causes.
The network supports projects advancing democracy, climate justice, racial equality, Palestinian rights, and higher education, providing both small and multimillion-dollar grants globally — including to groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Trump’s Crackdown Plan

According to reports, the U.S. Department of Justice has been instructed to prepare investigative plans into OSF’s operations.
In a recent memo, Trump wrote:

“The government should investigate and disrupt organizations that promote political violence… Soros is at the top of everything.”

Trump’s broader plan reportedly includes deploying counterterrorism tools, the IRS, and intelligence agencies to monitor left-wing non-profits.

Ted Cruz introduced the Stop Funders act, which would empower the justice department to prosecute groups that officials have deemed to be coordinating or supporting violent riots.

OSF Responds: “These Accusations Are Political”

OSF dismissed Trump’s claims as “baseless and politically motivated.”

“We work for democracy and human rights, not terrorism,” the organization said.
“All our grantees operate lawfully and peacefully.”

Palestinian Rights Groups in the Crosshairs

A 72-page report by a right-wing think tank, the Capital Research Center, accused OSF of funding “pro-terror” organizations — including Jewish Voice for Peace, US Campaign for Palestinian Rights, and the Center for Constitutional Rights.

However, the report was later quietly edited, changing its title from “Pro-Terror” to “Extremism.”

OSF called the claims “factually incorrect and politically motivated.”

“This is guilt by association,” the foundation said. “We only support peaceful and lawful projects.”

Democracy & Climate Movements Lock Arms

Trump’s rhetoric appears to have had the opposite effect — uniting progressive organizations across causes.

Demonstrators from Jewish Voice for Peace protest inside Trump Tower

Groups such as Indivisible, the Center for American Progress (CAP), and the Sunrise Movement are now coordinating as part of a joint response.

Ben Olinksy, senior vice president at CAP, said:

“We stand for democracy and freedom. We will never bow to Trump’s pressure.”

Aru Shiney-Ajay, executive director of the Sunrise Movement, added:

“Trump wants to silence grassroots organizations. These are classic authoritarian tactics.”

The Sunrise Movement, which gained prominence for championing the Green New Deal, said it will continue its work regardless of government pressure.

“We will not be intimidated. We will keep fighting for climate and democracy.”

Why It Matters

Analysts warn that Trump’s renewed attacks on Soros signal a broader effort to weaken non-profits that advocate for civil rights, free speech, and equality.

Critics say targeting OSF is an indirect assault on the country’s democratic institutions.

“When governments silence dissent,” one policy expert noted, “everyone’s rights are at risk.”

For now, the message from America’s non-profits is clear —
“We will not be intimidated.”