Soros-Backed Group Threatens Government Shutdown – Is This Legal?

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The looming government shutdown crisis has a new twist, revealing the deep influence of political funding and activism.

Story Overview

  • The Indivisible Project, funded by George Soros’ Open Society Foundations, is leading a campaign to block government funding.
  • The campaign aims to force a federal government shutdown by pressuring Democratic lawmakers.
  • This strategy is seen as a deliberate move to obstruct Republican-led budget negotiations.
  • Media focus intensifies as the September 30 deadline for avoiding a shutdown approaches.

The Indivisible Project’s Campaign

The Indivisible Project, a progressive activist group, has launched a campaign urging Democratic lawmakers to block the passage of a continuing resolution (CR) required to keep the government running. Funded significantly by George Soros’ Open Society Foundations, the group is leveraging its resources to influence Senate Democrats. With a Republican-controlled Senate needing Democratic support to pass the CR, Indivisible is applying pressure to achieve policy goals that align with its progressive agenda.

As the September 30 deadline approaches, the strategic campaign intensifies, highlighting the contentious nature of 2025’s budget negotiations. Indivisible’s efforts are part of a broader pattern of activism funded by Soros, aimed at challenging conservative policies. This has drawn significant attention, as the group’s tactics could potentially lead to a government shutdown, a move that has considerable political and economic implications.

The Role of George Soros and OSF

George Soros, through his Open Society Foundations, has been a long-time supporter of progressive causes. The OSF has provided $7.6 million in grants to the Indivisible Project over the past eight years. This financial backing amplifies Indivisible’s ability to mobilize and exert influence on lawmakers. Soros and OSF have been frequent targets of criticism from conservative circles, accused of wielding excessive political influence and encouraging disruptive activism.

While Soros’ personal involvement in the day-to-day activities of Indivisible is debated, the connection between his foundation’s funding and the group’s activism is clear. This has led to increased scrutiny and calls for investigations into the influence of nonprofit funding in American politics.

Political Dynamics and Stakeholders

The dynamics of the 2025 budget negotiations are complex. The Republican majority in the Senate lacks the numbers to pass a CR without Democratic support. This gives Indivisible an opportunity to influence the outcome by pressuring Democrats to stand firm against Republican demands. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer finds himself in a challenging position, balancing activist pressure with the political risks of endorsing a shutdown.

On the Republican side, there is a strong desire to avoid a shutdown, which could have negative repercussions for the party. The campaign by Indivisible is seen as part of a broader strategy by leftist groups to challenge and disrupt conservative governance. This has sparked debates about the role of activist groups in legislative processes and the impact of donor influence on political decisions.

Potential Outcomes and Implications

The immediate consequence of a successful campaign by Indivisible could be a government shutdown, leading to disruptions in federal services and economic losses. The political fallout could affect both parties, with Democrats facing criticism for obstructing governance and Republicans for failing to negotiate effectively.

In the long term, this episode may lead to increased scrutiny of nonprofit funding in politics and potential legal actions against groups like Indivisible and OSF. It also highlights the growing polarization of American politics, where activist groups and donor influence play significant roles in shaping legislative outcomes. The DOJ’s ongoing investigations into Soros-linked groups add another layer of complexity, potentially impacting the operations of these organizations.

Sources:

Open Society Foundations

KABC-AM

Wikipedia