Republican Congressman Buddy Carter of Georgia has formally requested that the Department of Justice (DOJ) open an investigation into several organizations funded by billionaire philanthropist George Soros, citing concerns that some of these groups may be linked to politically motivated unrest or the promotion of violent activism within the United States.
In a letter addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday, Carter urged the department to conduct a “comprehensive and immediate investigation” into the activities of the Open Society Foundations (OSF) and affiliated groups that have received financial support from Soros-backed initiatives.
“The funding of organizations that engage in, support, or incite political violence must not be tolerated,” Carter wrote. “It is critical for the Justice Department to ensure that American democracy is not undermined by groups that use philanthropy as a shield for radical political activity.”
Concerns Over Political Violence and Funding Networks
Carter’s call for an investigation follows the release of a report by the Capital Research Center (CRC), a nonprofit watchdog organization that monitors the political influence of major foundations and donors.
According to the CRC’s findings, Soros’ Open Society Foundations have distributed over $80 million to a network of progressive organizations that the report alleges have, at times, endorsed or participated in protests that turned violent.
Among those groups, the Center for Third World Organizing (CTWO) was highlighted as having received $400,000 in OSF funding. The report cited CTWO’s own statements about “throwing down with people in the streets” during the 2020 George Floyd demonstrations, which in some cities escalated into riots resulting in property damage and clashes with law enforcement.
The CRC report also mentioned CTWO affiliates such as the Ruckus Society, which has been accused of producing activist training materials that include protest strategies “that may be outside the bounds of the law.”
Allegations of Extremist Support
The controversy deepened when investigators noted that the BlackOUT Collective, another group linked to CTWO, had co-authored a controversial “protest guide” that expressed sympathy for Hamas and appeared to justify the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks against Israel.
That same document, which circulated on social media platforms, cited the Ruckus Society as a partner and included rhetoric that federal analysts described as “potentially supportive of foreign extremist movements.”
The Open Society Foundations, founded by Soros in the 1980s, has consistently maintained that its mission is to promote democracy, human rights, and social justice around the world. Representatives for OSF have not commented directly on Carter’s letter but have previously rejected claims that the organization funds or condones violence, calling such accusations “politically motivated and baseless.”
Organizations Named in the Report
The Capital Research Center’s report identified several U.S.-based activist organizations that received substantial Open Society funding and have been associated, directly or indirectly, with protest activity or controversial political campaigns.
These include:
Dream Defenders – Received approximately $1.85 million in OSF grants. The group gained national attention for its involvement in racial justice protests and opposition to police expansion policies.
Movement for Black Lives – Reported to have received nearly $18 million from Soros-backed foundations for racial equity and civil rights initiatives.
Dissenters – A youth-led activist network that allegedly co-authored materials endorsing “direct action” protests. The group reportedly received $200,000 in OSF support.
Sunrise Movement – A climate advocacy group known for its environmental activism, particularly the “Stop Cop City/Defend the Atlanta Forest” campaign. The CRC report claims it has received more than $2 million in grants from OSF.
Federal law enforcement officials have previously identified that same campaign as being linked to anarchist and Antifa-associated groups, citing incidents of vandalism and arson during demonstrations against the construction of a police training facility in Atlanta.
Political Reactions and Broader Implications
Carter’s letter has reignited long-standing political debate over the influence of wealthy donors and private foundations on American civil movements.
Supporters of Carter’s proposal argue that the DOJ should review whether certain groups have violated federal laws related to domestic terrorism, money laundering, or material support for violence. They contend that philanthropic funding should not serve as a vehicle for encouraging unlawful protest tactics or violent unrest.
Critics, however, view the congressman’s request as part of a broader political campaign against progressive organizations.
The Open Society Foundations is one of the world’s largest private philanthropic networks, with a stated focus on issues such as justice reform, public health, and education. The organization has awarded billions of dollars in grants globally and has often been the target of conservative criticism for its support of liberal policy goals and reform movements.
A spokesperson for OSF responded to similar allegations in the past, saying:
“Our work has always been grounded in the belief that societies function best when they are open, inclusive, and just. We categorically reject any claim that our funds are used to promote violence or extremist activity.”
Request for DOJ Oversight
In his letter, Carter asked Attorney General Bondi to assess whether any organizations funded by Soros’ foundations have violated federal statutes related to sedition, conspiracy, or civil disorder.
He also requested that the DOJ coordinate with the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division and the Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to track potential misuse of nonprofit funds.
“The American people have a right to know whether tax-exempt entities are facilitating political violence under the guise of activism,” Carter wrote. “If these groups are operating in a way that undermines national stability or safety, they must be held accountable.”
Growing Tension Between Activism and Security
Experts note that Carter’s move reflects growing tension between the protection of First Amendment rights and the government’s responsibility to prevent violence or terrorism.
Dr. Andrea Klein, a political scientist at Georgetown University, explained,
“This situation illustrates the difficult balance between legitimate political organizing and activities that might cross into unlawful behavior. It’s a debate that’s been amplified in the age of social media, where coordination and funding can happen instantly and across borders.”
Civil liberties organizations have warned against overreach, arguing that increased federal scrutiny of nonprofit and activist networks could have a chilling effect on free expression.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) issued a statement urging restraint, saying:
“The government must be cautious not to weaponize federal investigations to target ideological opponents. Any probe must be based on concrete evidence of criminal conduct—not political disagreements.”
Next Steps and Potential Outcomes
The Department of Justice has not yet publicly responded to Carter’s letter or confirmed whether an investigation is underway. However, congressional aides indicated that several members of the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees are reviewing the CRC report and may consider holding hearings on the matter.
If the DOJ opens a formal inquiry, it could involve financial audits, subpoenaed communications, and coordination with state attorneys general to examine how funds from international foundations are distributed and used within the U.S.
Political analysts say that regardless of the outcome, the request could have lasting implications for how large philanthropic organizations operate—particularly those that fund activism, advocacy, and social justice causes.
“This isn’t just about George Soros,” said Klein. “It’s about transparency and accountability in the nonprofit sector. Lawmakers on both sides are realizing that money in politics doesn’t always come from corporations—it often flows through foundations.”
As the debate unfolds, the issue underscores a broader question about the role of private influence in shaping political movements. Whether the DOJ will act on Rep. Carter’s request remains to be seen, but the discussion has already reignited one of the most divisive conversations in American politics: the fine line between philanthropy, activism, and power.