USAID Funding of Soros Activities: A Deep Dive into Alleged Balkan Meddling

The Macedonian Case: Funding Social Unrest and Color Revolutions

Allegations have surfaced that George Soros, a prominent Democrat mega-donor, utilized USAID funds to fuel social unrest and color revolutions in the Balkans, particularly in Macedonia. Spending hawks point to USAID grants given to various Soros-linked groups, allegedly used to destabilize the democratically elected center-right government.

Macedonia, a largely conservative nation with a low flat tax rate, had implemented strict immigration policies, including a border fence, much to the chagrin of open-borders advocate Soros. Around the same time, Soros criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for similar border security measures, stating, "Our plan treats the protection of refugees as the objective and national borders as the obstacle.”

USAID Grants and the "Soros Army": Fueling the 2016 Color Revolution

USAID awarded substantial grants to organizations with ties to Soros, including the Macedonian Young Lawyers Association (MYLA), purportedly for migrant assistance and human rights projects. Critics argue these funds were instrumental in the 2016 Macedonian color revolution.

Researcher Matt Palumbo, author of "The Man Behind the Curtain: Inside the Secret Network of George Soros," suggests that USAID money flowed through Soros-connected channels to NGOs on the ground, acting as "foot soldiers" for his agenda. Activists like Jasmina Golubovska, associated with the Soros-linked Legis, became the face of the revolution, openly advocating for the government's overthrow.

Further fueling suspicion, some activists were photographed wearing "Soros Army" t-shirts during protests. While some claim the shirts were a joke, their presence adds to the controversy surrounding Soros's influence in the region.

Former Macedonian Prime Minister Gruevski's Perspective: Soros's "Decisive Influence"

Former Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski asserted that Soros wielded "decisive influence" over his country's politics through a network of NGOs. He described these groups as a "modern army" waging a culture war against his government, aided by "Soros-owned media" disseminating negative narratives.

Beyond Macedonia: Soros's Influence in Romania and Albania

Judicial Watch investigations have uncovered potential Soros involvement in Romania and Albania, also under the umbrella of USAID funding. In Romania, Soros representatives collaborated with the U.S. State Department in an "Open Government Partnership." In Albania, the Foundation Open Society–Albania (FOSA), with USAID support, developed a strategy document for judicial reform, raising concerns about potential influence over the judiciary.

The Open Society Foundations' Response: Denying Allegations and Defending their Work

The Open Society Foundations has vehemently denied allegations of receiving USAID funds or directing U.S. government funding. They maintain they are a private foundation setting its own priorities and utilizing its own funds, occasionally collaborating with other funders when priorities align.

They dismiss the accusations as part of a broader attempt to undermine international development work and discredit independent funding of civil society organizations.

A Longstanding Relationship: Investigating USAID and Soros

Evidence suggests a long-standing relationship between the Soros network and USAID, dating back decades. A 1993 performance report reveals a USAID cooperative agreement with the Soros Foundations for training programs in Eastern European countries. More recently, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), following a Congressional request, audited USAID activities in Macedonia, confirming millions in funding to the Foundation Open Society–Macedonia and the East-West Management Institute.

The controversy surrounding USAID's funding of Soros-linked activities raises questions about the extent of Soros's influence in the Balkans and the potential implications for democratic processes in the region.