Trump calls for applying a decades-old law, historically utilized against the mafia, to go after liberal advocacy groups and protest organizations.
In a move that could escalate political tensions, President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to channel mounting conservative anger into efforts to take on political rivals. This includes potentially pursuing Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) charges against left-wing groups and designating some liberal organizations as domestic terrorist organizations.
The proposed legislation, called the STOP FUNDERs Act, is sponsored by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. It aims to expand the powers of the RICO law, adding rioting to the list of offenses that could be used as part of a RICO probe by the Justice Department. The bill, if passed, would enable federal prosecutors to seek charges against and seize the assets of organizations and individuals who fund or coordinate riots that result in violence.
Trump has previously called for a RICO investigation of liberal billionaire George Soros, who, through his Open Society Foundations, has helped fund an array of liberal groups, including Indivisible, which has organized protests against Trump's agenda. However, it's important to note that there is no evidence linking these groups to the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Jeffrey Grell, a RICO expert, states that racketeering cases are complicated as prosecutors must prove several elements, including interstate commerce and a pattern of criminal activity. To secure a RICO conviction against the financial backer of a group that engaged in rioting, prosecutors would have to prove that the donors provided money with the intention that violence would be carried out.
Critics of the measure say it threatens to intimidate people from engaging in peaceful, lawful advocacy and puts everyday Americans at risk of being dragged into sprawling investigations. Norm Eisen, a prominent Trump critic, is hopeful that efforts to add rioting to underlying RICO offenses won't succeed, as he believes it can be turned against any organization.
Open Society has denied any wrongdoing and opposes all forms of violence, condemning the outrageous accusations that they are funding violence. Soros himself has faced escalated attacks from Trump, who has suggested that the 95-year-old financier and philanthropist should be jailed.
It's worth noting that Trump has not addressed or downplayed attacks on Democratic politicians, notably not lowering flags to half-staff when Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in June.
The lobbying arm of the Heritage Foundation is among the groups supporting the Cruz measure. However, the bill's passage and the use of RICO against left-wing groups remain to be seen. The complexities of racketeering cases and the potential for misuse of such powers raise concerns about the implications for civil liberties and the political landscape.
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