Open Society Foundations President Vows to Fight Back Against Trump's Attacks
The president of the Open Society Foundations (OSF), Binaifer Nowrozee, has threatened to take legal action against the federal government if its attacks on the organization continue. The threat comes as part of a broader effort by the US government to discredit and undermine progressive causes that receive funding from OSF.
Nowrozee made her remarks during the UN climate talks in Brazil this month, where she was attending for the first time. Her comments were seen as a bold statement of defiance against President Donald Trump's attempts to intimidate and silence organizations that disagree with his views.
The US government has been targeting OSF in recent weeks, claiming that its founder George Soros is at the "top of everything." The Department of Justice and Internal Revenue Service have indicated plans to launch investigations into the organization, which supports a long list of progressive causes.
However, Nowrozee says that her organization will not be silenced or intimidated. "We support the right of free speech, even if we don't agree with it," she said. "As long as our grantees are operating within the law, we will stand behind them."
Nowrozee emphasized the importance of allowing organizations to operate freely and make their own decisions about their work. "We don't dictate every single thing they should be doing," she said. "But if a grantee is involved in violence or other efforts that are inimical to peaceful protest, then they must take agency and responsibility."
The threat by Nowrozee comes as environmental advocates in the US face intimidation from the federal government. Some have received reports of threats and harassment from right-wing groups, which have been linked to a report by the Capital Research Center that targeted climate-focused OSF grantees.
Despite the challenges posed by the Trump administration, Nowrozee remains optimistic about the power of grassroots movements and civil society organizations. "Millions and millions of citizens around the world are using their voice and right to protest," she said. "That's what's keeping pressure on governments and the private sector to take on the climate crisis."
The UN climate talks have been marked by an outpouring of protests from civil society groups, including Indigenous communities from the Amazon. Nowrozee sees these demonstrations as a testament to the power of grassroots movements and the need for greater inclusion and representation.
Overall, Nowrozee's threat to take legal action against the federal government is seen as a bold statement of defiance against what she sees as an attempt to silence and intimidate progressive causes.
The president of the Open Society Foundations (OSF), Binaifer Nowrozee, has threatened to take legal action against the federal government if its attacks on the organization continue. The threat comes as part of a broader effort by the US government to discredit and undermine progressive causes that receive funding from OSF.
Nowrozee made her remarks during the UN climate talks in Brazil this month, where she was attending for the first time. Her comments were seen as a bold statement of defiance against President Donald Trump's attempts to intimidate and silence organizations that disagree with his views.
The US government has been targeting OSF in recent weeks, claiming that its founder George Soros is at the "top of everything." The Department of Justice and Internal Revenue Service have indicated plans to launch investigations into the organization, which supports a long list of progressive causes.
However, Nowrozee says that her organization will not be silenced or intimidated. "We support the right of free speech, even if we don't agree with it," she said. "As long as our grantees are operating within the law, we will stand behind them."
Nowrozee emphasized the importance of allowing organizations to operate freely and make their own decisions about their work. "We don't dictate every single thing they should be doing," she said. "But if a grantee is involved in violence or other efforts that are inimical to peaceful protest, then they must take agency and responsibility."
The threat by Nowrozee comes as environmental advocates in the US face intimidation from the federal government. Some have received reports of threats and harassment from right-wing groups, which have been linked to a report by the Capital Research Center that targeted climate-focused OSF grantees.
Despite the challenges posed by the Trump administration, Nowrozee remains optimistic about the power of grassroots movements and civil society organizations. "Millions and millions of citizens around the world are using their voice and right to protest," she said. "That's what's keeping pressure on governments and the private sector to take on the climate crisis."
The UN climate talks have been marked by an outpouring of protests from civil society groups, including Indigenous communities from the Amazon. Nowrozee sees these demonstrations as a testament to the power of grassroots movements and the need for greater inclusion and representation.
Overall, Nowrozee's threat to take legal action against the federal government is seen as a bold statement of defiance against what she sees as an attempt to silence and intimidate progressive causes.
i cant even right now!!! Binaifer Nowrozee is so brave 
she's not gonna let trump get away with this kinda thing without a fight 
her org is literally fighting for the freedom of organizations like hers to do their own work and make their own decisions 
it's wild that the us gov't is trying to silence them just because they disagree with trump's views 
what's next?! 
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I think its more about setting an example than actually achieving anything, you know? But hey, Binaifer Nowrozee seems like a strong one for standing up to the Trump administration 
... Like, I get that the US gov't is trying to discredit OSF, but threats of investigations & lawsuits can be super scaring for orgs that rely on grants 
. What if they do take legal action? Could it affect their ability to fund projects that actually make a difference in climate change 
? Nowrozee's right about supporting free speech, though - we need more orgs like OSF advocating for progressive causes 
. And I love how she's highlighting the power of grassroots movements 
... We should be celebrating those orgs & activists who are already making a difference in their communities 
. can't they just leave them alone if they're not violating any laws? it's not like they're getting away scot-free - they're still having to deal with the fallout of being targeted by trump 
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. can't we just focus on the issue at hand instead of making personal attacks? nowrozee makes a good point about supporting free speech, but isn't that kinda backfiring in this case? it sounds like trump is actually fueling some pretty radical groups to fight against OSF 
️. we need more people like her who are willing to take a stand and not back down 
.
I mean, come on, if they're gonna investigate OSF, what's next? The ACLU? Planned Parenthood? 
meanwhile nowrozee is standing up for them and saying we won't back down, even if it means taking legal action 
it's amazing to see her advocating for free speech and letting ppl make their own decisions about their work 
the fact that millions of citizens around the world are using their voice to protest is truly inspiring 
. It's all about supporting grassroots movements and civil society orgs, which is a huge step towards addressing climate change 
. I'm rooting for her and all the orgs that are fighting against climate injustice! 
on this one. The US gov't has been getting way too aggressive towards orgs that don't share their views, it's like they're trying to stifle free speech and critical thinking. As long as these orgs are doing their thing within the law, why should they be targeted? 
The fact that Nowrozee is willing to take legal action against the government is a huge statement of defiance and I think it's about time someone did something about it 
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. but i gotta admire her spunk - she's not backing down 
and btw i love how she mentions grantees operating within the law 
cuz lets be real, sometimes ppl can get a lil carried away w/ the passion & forget about the rules lol. anyhooo, nowrozee seems like a total boss for standing up 4 her org & all the orgs they support 
i mean, trump thinks he can just target osf and intimidate their grantees but nope, its not gonna happen they got this! 
. Binaifer Nowrozee is speaking truth, even if she's stepping on some toes - and honestly, I'm kinda here for it 
, this Trump thing is getting old. So they're trying to discredit OSF just 'cause of Soros? That's like saying I'm bad because my aunt borrowed money from a sketchy uncle 
. Nowrozee's right though, if you fund me, it doesn't mean I have to do what you want. And honestly, who needs a grant that comes with strings attached? It's all about freedom and stuff... unless they're talking about freedom fries 
. Anyway, climate crisis or not, these grassroots movements are the real deal 
. Can't silence everyone, gotta keep the noise level up!