BREAKING: Judge Jeanine Pirro Proposes Bill to Classify Covert Protest Funding as Organized Crime Under RICO Act
In a move that has stirred intense debate across the political spectrum, former New York judge and Fox News host Jeanine Pirro has announced plans to introduce legislation targeting billionaire financier George Soros for allegedly funding protests and activist movements throughout the United States. Pirro, a longtime critic of Soros, unveiled her proposal during a nationally televised Fox News interview, describing it as a necessary step to protect national security and the integrity of American democracy.
A Controversial Proposal
Pirro’s bill seeks to classify covert funding of nationwide protests as organized crime under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO)—a law traditionally used to dismantle mafia syndicates and large criminal enterprises. If enacted, the legislation would allow authorities to immediately freeze bank accounts tied to such activity, potentially impacting millions of dollars connected to Soros’s Open Society Foundations, which have historically supported causes like criminal justice reform, voting rights, and democratic governance.
“This isn’t about free speech,” Pirro argued. “This is about dark money—funds with international ties being used to stir unrest across America. If someone is secretly financing nationwide protests to disrupt our democracy, they’re not a philanthropist—they’re a criminal under federal law.”
Expanding RICO’s Reach
The most contentious aspect of Pirro’s proposal is its use of the RICO Act to target political funding. Originally passed in 1970 to combat organized crime, RICO allows prosecutors to pursue individuals engaged in coordinated illegal activity across multiple states, with penalties including asset seizure and long prison sentences. Pirro maintains that Soros’s alleged financial involvement in activist networks fits this description, stating, “We’re talking about a coordinated, multistate effort to fund unrest and push a radical agenda. RICO was designed to stop exactly this kind of systematic corruption.”
Legal experts, however, caution that applying RICO to political donations would be unprecedented and legally fraught. “RICO was never meant to criminalize political giving, even when one disagrees with the cause,” said former federal prosecutor Susan Carver. “Using it this way would be a massive departure from legal precedent and would almost certainly trigger constitutional challenges.”
Soros’s Influence and Reaction
George Soros, the Hungarian-born billionaire and founder of the Open Society Foundations, has long been a polarizing figure in American politics. His philanthropic work, which channels billions into pro-democracy initiatives, education, and human rights advocacy, has won praise from supporters and suspicion from critics. Conservative commentators, including Pirro, accuse him of using his wealth to manipulate elections and social movements, while his defenders argue that his donations promote civic engagement and democratic freedoms.
Pirro’s proposal aims to “shine a light on the dark money flowing through America’s streets” and “protect U.S. sovereignty from foreign or globalist influence.” If passed, it would mark the first time a RICO framework was applied directly to political and philanthropic activity, potentially setting off years of legal and political battles.
Political and Public Response
The proposal has generated immediate and polarized reactions in Washington. Republican lawmakers have largely praised Pirro’s effort, calling it a long-overdue step toward financial transparency in political activism. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas voiced support, saying, “For too long, dark money has dictated the political landscape in ways ordinary Americans can’t see. Judge Pirro’s legislation is a much-needed measure to hold billionaires accountable.”
Democrats, meanwhile, have condemned the bill as a politically motivated attack on philanthropy and free expression. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called it “an effort to weaponize the law against people who fund legitimate advocacy,” warning that it could be used to criminalize political opposition and chill First Amendment rights.
Public opinion is equally divided. Online petitions supporting Pirro’s initiative have gathered hundreds of thousands of signatures, while advocacy and civil liberties groups have mobilized against what they see as a dangerous precedent for government overreach. Critics warn that allowing the government to freeze financial assets linked to activism could severely restrict freedom of association and expression.
Legal and Electoral Implications
Legal scholars agree that, even if the bill passes, it would face significant challenges in court. “To invoke RICO, prosecutors would need to prove not only coordination but criminal intent—that money was used specifically to destabilize society or commit illegal acts,” said constitutional law professor Michael Levin. “That’s an extraordinarily high bar, and courts would be skeptical of such an expansive interpretation.” Nonetheless, supporters believe the threat of RICO prosecution could deter wealthy individuals or groups from covertly influencing American politics.
Analysts also point out that the proposal could have major implications for the 2026 midterm elections. If enacted, it could discourage large-scale donations to advocacy organizations and grassroots movements, reshaping the financial landscape of political activism. “Even the perception that RICO could apply to political giving might make donors more cautious,” said political strategist Karen Howard.
Looking Ahead
As of now, George Soros has not issued an official statement regarding Pirro’s proposal. Representatives for Soros and the Open Society Foundations have previously denied accusations of secret influence, emphasizing that their philanthropic efforts are transparent and focused on advancing democracy and human rights worldwide.
Jeanine Pirro’s initiative marks one of the most aggressive attempts in recent years to regulate the influence of private wealth in American politics. By linking political funding to organized crime, her bill has sparked a heated national conversation about the limits of philanthropy, the power of billionaires, and the reach of government authority. Whether the legislation gains traction or falters in Congress, it has already ignited a debate about money, influence, and accountability in American democracy—one that is unlikely to fade any time soon.
