Donald Trump's threat to jail George Soros under the RICO Act faces major hurdles, says political analyst Dr. Nicholas Waddy. Soros has never faced indictment or conviction in the US, despite repeated accusations of criminal activity. The chances of a successful federal prosecution of Soros are "infinitesimal," while prosecutions of Trump enemies like Adam Schiff and Letitia James over financial improprieties are more realistic.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for billionaire financier George Soros and his son, Alexander, to be prosecuted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) for their alleged support of violent protests and other destructive actions across the U.S. [1] [2] [3]. However, political analyst Dr. Nicholas Waddy asserts that Soros has never faced indictment or conviction in the U.S., despite repeated accusations of criminal activity.
The RICO Act is typically used to target organized crime activities such as illegal gambling, loan sharking, and racketeering, and can result in severe criminal penalties. Trump's suggestion to use RICO against Soros and his son is unprecedented, as the act has not been previously applied to political figures or philanthropists for their support of political causes.
Dr. Waddy notes that the chances of a successful federal prosecution of Soros are "infinitesimal." He argues that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has shown more willingness to investigate and prosecute Trump's political enemies, such as Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and New York Attorney General Letitia James, over financial improprieties. In contrast, Soros has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Joe Biden.
Open Society Foundations, the nonprofit funded by the Soros family, has slammed Trump's threats, stating that their mission is to advance human rights, justice, and democratic principles in the U.S. and around the world. The nonprofit has accused Trump of attempting to establish a "mafia state" by using federal power against his political enemies.
While Trump's legal threats against political opponents have increased in recent weeks, the effectiveness of these threats remains uncertain. Federal agents searched the Maryland home of former National Security Advisor John Bolton, and Schiff formed a legal defense fund amid a DOJ probe into his finances. However, these investigations are ongoing, and no charges have been filed yet.
In conclusion, Trump's threat to jail George Soros under the RICO Act faces significant hurdles. The chances of a successful federal prosecution are low, and the DOJ has shown a more consistent focus on investigating and prosecuting Trump's political enemies for financial improprieties. The effectiveness of Trump's legal threats remains to be seen as these investigations continue.
References:
[1] https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/us-news/trump-calls-for-criminal-charges-against-george-soros-and-his-son-under-rico-act/3959327/
[2] https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/27/trump-george-soros-investigation-threat-00530314
[3] https://www.opindia.com/news-updates/donald-trump-threatens-to-charge-george-soros-and-his-son-under-rico-act-for-violent-protests-in-the-usa/
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