GOP Congressman Demands DOJ Investigation Into George Soros–Funded Groups
Republican Congressman Buddy Carter of Georgia is calling for a federal investigation into several organizations that receive funding from billionaire philanthropist George Soros, citing concerns that some of these groups may be connected to politically charged unrest or violent activism across the U.S.
In a letter sent Thursday to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Carter urged the Department of Justice to launch a “comprehensive and immediate investigation” into the Open Society Foundations (OSF) and affiliated organizations supported by Soros-backed initiatives.
“The funding of organizations that engage in, support, or incite political violence must not be tolerated,” Carter wrote. “The Justice Department must ensure that American democracy isn’t undermined by those who use philanthropy as cover for radical political activity.”
Concerns Over Funding and Political Unrest
Carter’s request follows a new report from the Capital Research Center (CRC) — a nonprofit watchdog that investigates the political influence of major donors and foundations.
According to CRC’s findings, Soros’ network has distributed over $80 million to progressive groups allegedly involved in protests that sometimes turned violent. One highlighted example was the Center for Third World Organizing (CTWO), which reportedly received $400,000 from OSF and publicly encouraged “throwing down with people in the streets” during the 2020 protests following George Floyd’s death — demonstrations that, in some cities, escalated into riots.
Other groups mentioned in the report include:
-
Dream Defenders – Approximately $1.85 million in OSF grants, linked to nationwide racial justice protests.
-
Movement for Black Lives – Nearly $18 million in Soros-backed funding for civil rights initiatives.
-
Dissenters – A youth-led activist network allegedly promoting “direct action” protests, with around $200,000 in support.
-
Sunrise Movement – More than $2 million in grants for environmental campaigns, including “Stop Cop City,” which has been associated with vandalism and clashes with police.
The report also raised alarms about The BlackOUT Collective, a group affiliated with CTWO, for co-authoring a controversial protest manual that expressed sympathy for Hamas following the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel — language that federal analysts described as “potentially supportive of extremist movements.”
Open Society Foundations Responds
The Open Society Foundations, created by Soros in the 1980s, have long stated their mission is to promote democracy, human rights, and justice. While the organization has not directly responded to Carter’s new letter, it has repeatedly denied accusations of funding violence, calling such claims “politically motivated and baseless.”
A spokesperson previously said,
“Our work has always been rooted in the belief that societies function best when they are open and inclusive. We categorically reject any suggestion that our grants are used to promote violence or extremism.”
Political and Legal Reactions
Supporters of Carter’s call believe the DOJ should examine whether Soros-funded groups have violated federal laws involving sedition, conspiracy, or the promotion of civil disorder. They argue that philanthropic money should not be used to support organizations that encourage or excuse violent tactics.
Critics, however, claim the move is politically driven and part of a wider conservative campaign targeting progressive networks. Civil liberties groups such as the ACLU have cautioned that investigations based on ideology rather than concrete evidence could chill free speech and activism.
“Federal probes must not be weaponized against political opponents,” the ACLU warned. “Any investigation must rest on clear proof of criminal behavior, not on disagreement with political views.”
What Comes Next
The Department of Justice has yet to comment publicly on Carter’s request. However, congressional aides suggest that several members of the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees are already reviewing the CRC’s findings and may consider holding hearings on the issue.
If a formal investigation begins, it could involve financial audits, subpoenaed communications, and coordination with the FBI and Treasury officials to trace the use of nonprofit funds within the United States.
Political analysts note that regardless of the outcome, this development could reshape how major philanthropic organizations operate — especially those supporting activism and social reform.
“This isn’t only about Soros,” said Dr. Andrea Klein, a political scientist at Georgetown University. “It’s about transparency and accountability in the nonprofit world — and how money moves through political and social movements.”
As the debate reignites, the controversy underscores a larger question about the balance between philanthropy, activism, and political power in America — and whether federal oversight will redefine that line moving forward.