According to a directive circulated by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s office and obtained by The New York Times, prosecutors in at least six jurisdictions were instructed to consider criminal charges against Soros-backed Open Society Foundations. The directive was sent to offices in California, New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Detroit, and Maryland, urging them to examine a range of potential violations including racketeering, wire fraud, arson, and providing material support for terrorism.

The order references a recent report from the conservative watchdog group Capital Research Center, which accused Open Society Foundations of funneling over $80 million into groups allegedly tied to terrorism or extremist activity. One example cited was funding for the Palestinian human rights organization al-Haq, which Israel designated in 2022 as a front for terrorist networks. Prosecutors were asked to review the report’s findings and determine whether they provide sufficient grounds to open criminal cases against the foundation.

Officials within the Justice Department acknowledged that Aakash Singh, a lawyer working in Blanche’s office, has been tasked with coordinating communications with U.S. attorneys on the matter. Singh emphasized the importance of examining the claims closely and told prosecutors to prepare investigative strategies for submission.

Open Society Foundations has forcefully rejected the accusations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. In a statement, the group said its work is both peaceful and lawful, describing the directive as an attempt to silence dissenting voices and undermine free expression protected by the First Amendment.

The push to scrutinize Soros’s organization comes amid Trump’s increasingly direct attacks on the billionaire donor. Earlier this month, following the political assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Trump blamed Soros and his foundation, telling NBC News that Soros was “a bad guy” who “should be put in jail.” He has previously argued that Soros and his son should face prosecution under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), legislation more commonly used to target mafia networks.

As prosecutors weigh possible charges against Open Society Foundations, the timing coincides with reports of pending indictments against Comey and James, both of whom have clashed with Trump throughout his presidency. The developments highlight how the Justice Department, under Trump’s direction, is increasingly targeting political opponents and their affiliated organizations.