DOJ’s Push to Prosecute Soros Stumbles Over Flawed Report

The Justice Department urged prosecutors to investigate George Soros last fall. This followed direct calls from former President Donald Trump. Officials cited a report alleging his foundations funded extremist groups.

That report was later retracted and replaced by its publisher. Key allegations were deemed unsubstantiated. The episode reveals a haphazard effort to use the legal system against political opponents.

Report Errors Undermine Case for Criminal Charges

The memo from a senior DOJ official suggested charges like racketeering. It pointed to a report by the Capital Research Center. This report claimed Soros’s Open Society gave over $80 million to terrorist-linked groups.

According to the New York Times, the report contained significant errors. Grant dates and recipient organizations were misstated. Some groups listed had not actually received Open Society funds.

The report labeled mainstream advocacy groups as extremist. The Sunrise Movement and Movement for Black Lives were included. This was based on tenuous connections, like expressing solidarity with other causes.

Open Society Foundations denied the claims forcefully. A spokesperson called the report false and reckless. They stated all activities are peaceful and lawful.

Publisher Backpedals as DOJ Plans Fizzle

After the DOJ memo circulated, the report’s publisher distanced itself. Capital Research Center President Scott Walter spoke to the New York Times. He said the report did not provide evidence needed for criminal charges.

Walter noted prosecutors must prove intent. They must show donors knew funds were for illegal acts. His report made no such claim, he clarified.

The original report was quietly replaced online. The new version had a softer title. It removed the direct accusation of funding “terrorist” groups.

This retreat left the DOJ’s initiative without foundation. No public action has been taken against Soros since. The investigation appears to have stalled completely.

The failed attempt to build a case against George Soros highlights the challenges of politically motivated prosecution. Without credible evidence, even a directive fueled by presidential pressure could not advance. The DOJ’s reliance on a flawed report underscores the importance of rigorous facts in the justice system.

Thought you’d like to know

What was the main error in the report on George Soros?

The report falsely claimed Open Society funded terrorist groups. It misstated grant details and mislabeled mainstream advocacy organizations. These errors made its central allegations unusable for legal action.

Who published the report about Soros funding?

The Capital Research Center, a conservative think tank, published it. The report’s lead researcher was Ryan Mauro. President Scott Walter was later added as a co-author on the revised version.

What charges did the DOJ memo suggest?

The memo suggested possible racketeering (RICO) charges. It also listed wire fraud and material support for terrorism. These recommendations were based on the discredited report’s findings.

How did the report’s publisher react to the DOJ’s use of it?

The publisher was surprised and concerned. The president publicly stated the report lacked evidence for criminal prosecution. He emphasized the need to distinguish between speech and lawbreaking.

Has George Soros been charged with a crime?

No public charges have been filed. The investigation prompted by the DOJ memo appears inactive. No credible evidence supporting criminal indictment has emerged.