George Soros wrecked US criminal justice — one lefty DA at a time

This week, a Washington Post article attempted to defend progressive district attorneys who have been elected into office with the financial support of billionaire George Soros. The article painted these prosecutors as well-intentioned reformers facing opposition from racist Republicans. However, what Soros’ supporters fail to acknowledge is the detrimental impact these prosecutors have had on the criminal justice system.

George Soros has heavily invested in district attorney races across the country, both directly and indirectly. By 2023, progressive prosecutors controlled at least 20% of the US population and half of the residents in major cities. Soros-funded district attorneys have been elected in cities such as Tampa Bay, Denver, San Francisco, and Philadelphia, among others. The Justice and Public Safety PAC, funded by Soros, has been involved in numerous primary and general elections, winning 77% of the time.

Soros recognized the opportunity to reshape cities according to his progressive ideology through district attorney races. These races are often overlooked by voters, despite the significant impact prosecutors have on crime enforcement. Soros and his team believed that systemic social change, rather than aggressive prosecution, was the solution to crime.

The progressive DAs supported by Soros have implemented policies such as eliminating cash bail, declining to prosecute minor offenses, and limiting the use of sentencing enhancements. These policies have resulted in more criminals, including repeat offenders, being released back onto the streets. This has led to an increase in crime rates in cities where progressive DAs are in office.

For example, in Philadelphia under Soros-backed DA Larry Krasner, the city broke its all-time murder record in 2021. In Chicago under DA Kim Foxx, overall reported crime surged by 369% between 2019 and 2023. Similar spikes in crime have been observed in other major cities with progressive DAs.

Despite the promises of criminal justice reform, the reality has been an increase in crime rates and a failure to address public safety concerns. Many voters have recognized the impact of their district attorney on public safety and have started to reject the progressive reform agenda.

In recent years, at least 21 Soros-linked DAs have been replaced by tough-on-crime counterparts, signaling a shift in public sentiment. It is clear that Soros’ movement has not delivered the promised results, and communities continue to suffer as a result. The question remains, how much longer will it take for progressive prosecutors to acknowledge the failure of their policies and prioritize public safety?

Josh Appel, a policy analyst at the Manhattan Institute, highlights the need for accountability and a reevaluation of the progressive criminal justice reform agenda.