A senior Justice Department (DOJ) official has ordered more than half a dozen federal prosecutors' offices to prean investigation into Open Society Foundations, a global network of philanthropic foundations founded and funded by Democratic billionaire George Soros.
Aakash Singh proposes charges
The order was issued by Aakash Singh, a senior official in the office of Assistant Attorney General Todd Blanche. In his letter, Mr. Singh proposes charges against Open Society Foundations - such as wire fraud, arson and terrorism - reports the New York Times.
George Soros: a scapegoat for the American right
The directive comes as President Donald Trump recently rekindled his attacks against Mr. Soros, scapegoated by the American right for his support of progressive causes.
"He's a dangerous man who should be put in jail," he told NBC News.
A directive sent to seven states
Singh's letter was sent to federal prosecutors' offices in at least seven states - including California, New York, Illinois, Michigan and Maryland - according to ABC News.
Trump's reactions to Charlie Kirk's murder
Shortly after the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in Utah this month, Trump threatened to silence liberal protesters and donors to progressive groups, including Mr. Soros.
Trump takes aim at Soros on Truth Social
In a message published on Truth Social, the Republican president wrote that George Soros and his son Alexander "should be charged with RICO because of their support of Violent Protests, and much more, all throughout the United States of America".
Trump calls for prosecution of his opponents
The President also recently urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to bring criminal charges against his old adversary, former FBI Director James B. Comey, as well as against New York Attorney General Letitia James, who has sued Mr. Trump and his companies for several hundred million dollars. Federal prosecutors in eastern Virginia are therefore conducting separate investigations into them.