George Soros: Billionaire Philanthropist and Political Influencer at 95

George Soros is a billionaire, investor, and well-known philanthropist, whose left-leaning charitable activities have long drawn scrutiny of right-wing political forces. He is 95 years old today.

Most conspiracy theories surrounding Soros are linked to his nonprofit organization Open Society Foundations, founded many years ago and now led by his son Alex Soros. Among the accusations is that the foundation allegedly funds violent protesters and other forms of activism.

“If you look at Soros, he’s at the top of everything,” Trump added. “He’s in every story I read, so I suppose he would be a likely candidate.”

Tensions have risen at the White House between the administration and critics. Trump expressed the view that Soros could be the subject of an investigation, given his charitable ties and influence on public policy.

Open Society Foundations are predominantly a left-leaning nonprofit organization. To date, it has spent more than $24 billion, of which $1.2 billion was in 2024. Its programs focus on access to education and health care, racial justice, drug policy reform and expanding human rights, as well as fighting climate change and authoritarianism. The Foundation’s network operates in more than a hundred countries.

Soros has long been a donor to the US Democratic Party. In 2021, he donated $125 million to a liberal super-PAC, according to OpenSecrets. While wealthy Americans often make political contributions, other mega-donors – such as Charles Koch, Miriam Adelson, and Timothy Mellon – also play a role in financing politics.

“Although I am often portrayed as a representative of the far left – and certainly I am not devoid of political biases – I acknowledge that the other side is partly right in the assertion that the government wastes money and should do better.”

According to open sources, Soros is a longtime donor to the US Democratic Party. In 2017, Open Society Foundations received a substantial donation from him totaling $18 billion, underscoring his long-standing commitment to this cause, and the foundation’s total donations since 1984 amount to about $32 billion.

Key areas of activity and global presence

Open Society Foundations focus on increasing transparency in governance, protecting media autonomy, education, health care, and human rights. The foundation also supports reform of the justice system, the fight against discrimination, and the promotion of democratic values in countries with vulnerable institutions. As part of its programs, the network operates in more than one hundred countries.

Conclusion: why Soros’s role continues to spark debate

George Soros’s philanthropy and his political influence leave a mark on the global public sphere. Some recognize his support for reforms; others criticize the outsized influence of private funds on politics. Regardless of assessment, the name Soros has long stood as a symbol of narrowing or expanding space for civil society and active philanthropic work in the modern world.