“The official’s directive, a copy of which was viewed by The New York Times, goes as far as to list possible charges prosecutors could file, ranging from arson to material support of terrorism. The memo suggests department leaders are following orders from the president that specific people or groups be subject to criminal investigation — a major break from decades of past practice meant to insulate the Justice Department from political interference. …
“Mr. Soros began his global grant network, now known as the Open Society Foundations, decades ago to fund democratic initiatives around the world, particularly in communist and formerly communist countries. In the 1990s, the organization expanded its work to the United States. It provides grants to groups that work for human rights, democracy and equity, but Mr. Trump and some Republicans contend, without providing evidence, that it is a shadowy network promoting civil unrest, violent protests and property destruction. Liberals say the assertions are falsehoods aimed at stifling dissent.
“On Monday, a lawyer in the office of the deputy attorney general, Todd Blanche, issued the directive to U.S. attorney’s offices in California, New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Detroit and Maryland, among others.
“The lawyer, Aakash Singh, who is responsible for communicating with federal prosecutors around the country, suggested a wide range of charges for prosecutors to consider against the Open Society Foundations. Possible charges included racketeering, arson, wire fraud and material support for terrorism, according to a copy of the directive.
“As evidence for such investigations, Mr. Singh pointed to a recent report by a conservative watchdog group known as the Capital Research Center, which monitors liberal money in politics. He asked the prosecutors to determine if the allegations were enough to justify opening criminal cases, adding that they should be prepared to submit their investigative plans soon.
“The report broached a contentious claim, stating that the group ‘has poured over $80 million into groups tied to terrorism or extremist violence.’ It cited as one example al-Haq, a Palestinian human rights group critical of Israel. The report noted that the Israeli government declared in 2022 that al-Haq was a front for terrorist activity.
“At the time, the Open Society Foundations criticized that move by the Israeli government, saying it was not based on credible evidence, and was intended to discredit and silence Palestinian human rights groups. …
“In a statement, the Open Society Foundations denounced the accusations as ‘politically motivated attacks on civil society, meant to silence speech the administration disagrees with and undermine the First Amendment right to free speech.’
The organization said its work in the United States was ‘solely dedicated to strengthening democracy and upholding constitutional freedoms.’
Saying it condemned terrorism and denying that it funded it, the group added, ‘Our activities are peaceful and lawful.’
Another ominous development.