President Donald Trump has escalated his rhetoric against billionaire philanthropist George Soros, declaring in a recent Fox & Friends interview that his administration plans to investigate Soros and his network, characterizing it as a potential RICO case. Trump stated, “We’re going to look into Soros because I think it’s a RICO case against him and other people because this is more than like protests,” linking the probe to funding and radicalization efforts behind violent leftist groups and recent unrest, including the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. This announcement comes amid heightened tensions following Kirk’s killing, with Trump suggesting Soros’s organizations are orchestrating a broader campaign of extremism that goes beyond mere demonstrations. The comments have ignited widespread discussion on social media, where supporters hail it as a bold move against perceived deep-state influences, while critics decry it as an authoritarian threat to free speech and political donations.

The reference to RICO—the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act—implies Trump views Soros’s activities as part of an organized criminal enterprise, potentially involving money laundering, conspiracy, and incitement to violence through NGOs and activist groups. Trump has previously accused Soros and his son Alex of supporting “violent protests” on Truth Social, calling for RICO charges just weeks ago, a stance now amplified in the wake of the Kirk investigation. Reports indicate Soros’s Open Society Foundations have donated billions to progressive causes, including criminal justice reform and anti-authoritarian efforts, which Trump allies claim mask efforts to destabilize conservative figures and institutions. This probe could target not only financial trails but also university programs and online platforms accused of radicalizing youth, as echoed in Trump’s broader warnings about leftist extremism.

Trump’s pledge has polarized public opinion, with X users and commentators split between those urging immediate action—such as declaring Antifa a terrorist group and subpoenaing tech platforms—and others warning of a dangerous precedent that weaponizes the government against ideological opponents. In the context of the Charlie Kirk assassination, where systemic FBI failures in Salt Lake City have already drawn scrutiny, Trump’s focus on Soros underscores a narrative of coordinated sabotage against right-wing voices. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether this rhetoric translates into formal charges, but it signals a potential crackdown that could reshape political funding and activism in the U.S., drawing parallels to past RICO applications against organized crime syndicates.