In the bustling ambiance of Russ & Daughters Cafe in Manhattan, Alex Soros recently discussed his ascent to head his father's philanthropic and financial legacies.
At the forefront of substantial organizational change, Alex Soros elaborates on his leadership at Open Society Foundations and the future of philanthropy.
During the interview with the Financial Times held at a historic deli known for its century-long service and iconic bagel and lox, Alex, aged 39, reflected on taking over from his father, George Soros.
George, a Holocaust survivor and hedge fund pioneer, established a profound legacy in humanitarian aid and political activism primarily focusing on central and eastern Europe through the Open Society Foundations (OSF).
Alex has long been groomed for the role, increasingly involved in the family's initiatives and the management of their vast philanthropic endeavors. Officially stepping into his leadership position in December 2022, he has now begun to strategically pivot the foundation's focus toward contemporary crises, including climate change, immigration rights, and electoral reforms.
The transition has also seen a substantial cut in the OSF staff numbers— from 1,700 in 2017 to about 500 today. Alex emphasized that this reduction was aligned with his father's vision to minimize bureaucracy within the organization. "My father didn’t want to create an employment agency," said Soros, asserting the aim to forge a "network of networks."
Political funding, a crucial element of the Soros impact, has remained a priority under Alex's leadership. He and his father were major contributors to the Kamala Harris campaign in the 2024 elections, indicating continued political influence.
However, Alex also advocates for significant reforms in political funding, mirroring European standards to reduce monetary influence in politics.
"I’m happy to get money out of politics, let’s go, let’s do it tomorrow," Alex stated, underlining his commitment to overhauling how political campaigns are financed in the United States. His proactive approach to these reforms reflects a broader desire to sustain long-term democratic health and vitality beyond immediate electoral cycles.
His decision to focus the OSF's efforts on green jobs in the U.S., along with rights related to immigration and voting, signals a shift towards tackling pressing global issues.
Soros expresses particular concern about the socio-political landscape shaped by figures like Donald Trump, whom he views as a significant threat to democratic norms and safety. The Open Society Foundation has pumped billions into the US to stop Trump.
"I worry that we'll look back at Trump's first term as farcical and this is going to be very bad and tragic for a lot of people," he shared, revealing deep apprehensions about the enduring impact of such political figures. Despite these challenges, Soros remains focused on leveraging his role for broader social and political advocacy.
Apart from his vigorous professional agenda, Alex Soros also shared personal milestones, including his recent engagement with Huma Abedin. This blend of personal joy amidst intense political and philanthropic endeavors paints a picture of a man who navigates multiple worlds with significant ease and commitment.
Following in the footsteps of his globalist billionaire father, Alex has not only embraced his legacy but also expanded it, orchestrating meetings with global political figures and engaging in intricate foreign policy issues.
Regarding future aspirations, such as possibly stepping into politics himself, Alex maintains an open yet cautious stance. "Would I run for office? I wouldn’t rule anything out but it’s hard for me to see how I’m not in a more impactful position now," he pondered.
Trump will have to watch Soros and the Open Society Foundation closely to ensure that Soros's billions don't stop Trump's agenda in beating back globalist and progressive interests.