The Open Society Foundations (OSF), led by Alex Soros, son of billionaire George Soros, is bracing for the potential political fallout of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
The organization is particularly concerned that a win for former President Donald Trump could disrupt global unity and have far-reaching implications, especially for Europe.
Alex Soros recently penned an op-ed in Politico, dismissing rumors that the foundation is withdrawing from Europe. Instead, he clarified that the organization is refocusing its efforts, particularly towards Eastern Europe, and will be downsizing its staff as part of this strategic shift.
The younger Soros took the opportunity to voice his apprehensions about the upcoming U.S. election. He believes that a Trump victory, or a win for any candidate with similar “America First” policies, could be detrimental not just for the U.S. but also for the European Union. He suggested that such a win could undermine European unity and could have negative consequences for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Trump, for his part, has claimed that he could resolve the Ukraine conflict within a day of taking office. He has been vague about the specifics but has indicated that he would engage both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to broker a peace deal.
Public opinion in the U.S. regarding the Ukraine conflict appears to be shifting, with a recent CNN-SSRS poll indicating that a majority of Americans believe the U.S. has done enough in terms of involvement. The U.S. has been a significant contributor to Ukraine’s security, providing nearly $46 billion in military aid and training since 2014.
Amid these geopolitical concerns, the OSF is also undergoing internal changes. Alex Soros has officially taken over leadership from his father, George Soros, who has been a prominent Democratic donor. The foundation is not only refocusing its European operations but also reaffirming its commitment to causes like supporting the Roma community in Eastern Europe and continuing its work in Ukraine.
The organization’s strategic shift has led to speculation in the media, with some outlets suggesting that OSF is retreating from Europe. However, Alex Soros has firmly stated that the changes are not a retreat but a recalibration of priorities to meet current and future challenges.
The foundation’s new direction and its concerns about the 2024 U.S. election underscore the interconnectedness of American politics with global issues, raising questions about the role of private foundations in influencing public opinion and policy.
