US President Donald Trump has demanded that billionaire philanthropist George Soros and his son, Alexander, face criminal charges, alleging—but without evidence—that they are behind “violent protests” in the United States.
Trump made the claim on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, stating: “George Soros, and his wonderful Radical Left son, should be charged with RICO because of their support of Violent Protests, and much more.” The RICO law targets involvement in organized criminal activity.
The comments coincide with multiple investigations pursued by the Trump administration against individuals it views as political opponents. Street protests erupted in Los Angeles in June following intensified immigration raids, prompting the deployment of the National Guard and Marines. Fact-checkers, including AFP, have debunked circulated claims suggesting Soros-backed groups had organized the protests.
Hungarian-born Soros, 95, has long been a target for right-wing criticism in the US and Europe due to his financial backing of progressive causes. In 2023, he announced plans to transfer control of his philanthropic empire to his son Alexander.
Earlier this year, President Joe Biden awarded Soros the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognising his contributions to human rights, education, and democracy worldwide.
