Full History Of George Soros In Timeline From 1924

1924: Marriage of Soros's Parents

George Soros's parents, Tivadar and Erzsébet, were married in 1924.

August 12, 1930: Birth of George Soros

George Soros was born in Budapest, Hungary on August 12, 1930.

August 1930: Early Life and Family Background

György Schwartz, later known as George Soros, was born in August 1930 to a non-observant Jewish family in Budapest, Hungary. His father, Tivadar, was a lawyer and Esperanto author, while his mother, Erzsébet, came from a family that ran a successful silk business.

January 3, 1934: Birth of Annaliese Witschak

Annaliese Witschak, George Soros's first wife, was born on January 3, 1934. She was an ethnic German immigrant who had been orphaned during World War II.

1936: Family Name Change to Soros

In 1936, amidst rising antisemitism in Hungary, the Schwartz family changed their name to Soros as a protective measure.

March 1944: Nazi Occupation and Impact on Education

When Nazi Germany occupied Hungary in March 1944, Jewish children like George Soros were prohibited from attending school and forced to report to the Judenrat.

1944: Survival During the War

In 1944, George Soros's family survived the war by purchasing documents to conceal their Jewish identity and posing as Christians.

1945: Enduring the Siege of Budapest

George Soros and his family lived through the Siege of Budapest in 1945, where Soviet and German forces engaged in intense urban warfare.

1947: Move to the United Kingdom

George Soros moved to the United Kingdom in 1947 after surviving the Nazi occupation of Hungary.

1951: Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy

George Soros earned his Bachelor of Science in philosophy from the London School of Economics in 1951.

1951: Bachelor of Science in Philosophy

In 1951, George Soros earned a Bachelor of Science degree in philosophy from the London School of Economics.

1954: Start of Financial Career

George Soros embarked on his financial career in 1954 at the London-based merchant bank Singer & Friedlander, starting as a clerk and later transitioning to the arbitrage department.

1954: Master of Science in Philosophy

George Soros received a Master of Science degree in philosophy from the London School of Economics in 1954.

1954: Master's Degree in Philosophy

In 1954, George Soros received his Master of Science degree in philosophy from the London School of Economics.

1956: Move to New York and Arbitrage Trading

George Soros moved to New York City in 1956 and worked as an arbitrage trader for F.M. Mayer, specializing in European stocks.

1959: Analyst at Wertheim & Co.

In 1959, George Soros joined Wertheim & Co. as an analyst for European securities.

1960: George Soros marries Annaliese Witschak

In 1960, George Soros married Annaliese Witschak, an ethnic German immigrant who had been orphaned during World War II. They had three children together and eventually divorced in 1983.

1963: Start of Vice Presidency at Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder

In 1963, George Soros began working as a vice president at Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder. His time there coincided with the introduction of the Interest Equalization Tax, which negatively impacted Soros's European trading.

1963: Conclusion at Wertheim & Co.

George Soros concluded his time at Wertheim & Co. in 1963.

1966: Early Foray into Fund Management

While at Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder, Soros started experimenting with his trading strategies using a $100,000 fund in 1966.

1967: Establishment of First Eagle Fund

In 1967, George Soros, alongside Henry H. Arnhold, the chairman of Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder, founded the First Eagle fund.

1969: Establishment of Double Eagle Hedge Fund

George Soros launched his first hedge fund, Double Eagle, in 1969.

1969: Launch of Double Eagle Hedge Fund

Soros founded the Double Eagle hedge fund in Curaçao in 1969, backed by $4 million from investors, including $250,000 of his own money. This fund stemmed from the First Eagle fund.

1970: Foundation of Soros Fund Management

George Soros established Soros Fund Management in 1970 and assumed the role of chairman. Notable figures like Jim Rogers, Stanley Druckenmiller, Mark Schwartz, and Keith Anderson held senior positions within the firm, including Soros's two sons.

1970: Founding of Soros Fund Management

In 1970, George Soros established his second hedge fund, Soros Fund Management.

1973: Growth of Double Eagle Fund and Formation of Soros Fund

The Double Eagle Fund grew to $12 million by 1973 and became the foundation for the Soros Fund, with both George Soros and Jim Rogers receiving returns on their capital and 20% of the annual profits.

1973: Launch of Quantum Endowment Fund

In 1973, George Soros launched the Quantum Endowment Fund, which would later contribute to his financial success and recognition in the investment world.

1973: Inception and Long-Term Success of Soros Fund

Since its establishment in 1973, the Soros Fund has yielded a remarkable $40 billion in profits, solidifying its position as a highly successful hedge fund.

1973: Resignation from Double Eagle Fund and Establishment of Soros Fund

Citing concerns over conflicts of interest, Soros stepped down from managing the Double Eagle Fund in 1973. He then proceeded to establish the Soros Fund, offering investors in the Double Eagle Fund the choice to either transfer their investments or remain with Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder.

1973: Conclusion of Vice Presidency and Diminished Enthusiasm for the Role

By 1973, after a decade at Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder, Soros's enthusiasm for his vice president role had dwindled. This period saw him dedicate significant time to revising his philosophy dissertation.

1979: Beginning of Philanthropic Activities

George Soros started donating to various philanthropic causes in 1979.

1979: Soros Begins Supporting Dissidents in Communist Countries

Starting in 1979, Soros began financially supporting dissident groups and individuals in communist countries, advocating for open societies.

1980: Soros receives honorary degree from University of Oxford

In 1980, George Soros received an honorary doctoral degree from the University of Oxford. This recognition highlighted his contributions and influence in various fields.

1981: Growth and Subsequent Contraction of Soros Fund

By 1981, the Soros Fund had reached $400 million in assets. However, a 22% loss that year led to significant investor redemptions, reducing the fund's size to $200 million.

1983: George Soros divorces Annaliese Witschak

In 1983, George Soros divorced his first wife, Annaliese Witschak. They had three children together during their marriage.

1983: George Soros marries Susan Weber

In 1983, George Soros married Susan Weber. The couple had two children together before their divorce in 2005.

1984: First Open Society Institute Founded

Soros founded his first Open Society Institute in Hungary in 1984, with a budget of $3 million, to promote open societies.

1984: Soros supports Hungary's transition to democracy

In 1984, George Soros played a pivotal role in Hungary's peaceful transition from communism to democracy. He also provided substantial funding to establish the Central European University in Budapest, furthering educational opportunities in the region. Soros's Open Society Foundations now operate in over 60 countries with annual expenditures around $600 million.

1987: "The Alchemy of Finance" Published

George Soros published his book "The Alchemy of Finance" in 1987. In it, he shared his insights and analysis of financial markets.

1988: Investment in French Companies

In 1988, George Soros was approached to join a group of investors aiming to acquire a substantial stake in Société Générale, a major French bank undergoing privatization. Soros opted against joining the consortium and instead independently pursued a strategy of amassing shares in four French companies: Société Générale, Suez, Paribas, and Compagnie Générale d'Électricité.

1989: Insider Trading Investigation Begins

In 1989, the Commission des Opérations de Bourse (COB) investigated George Soros's transaction in Société Générale for potential insider trading, though initial investigations found him innocent.

1991: Soros receives honorary degree from Yale University

In 1991, George Soros was awarded an honorary doctoral degree by Yale University. This accolade recognized his significant contributions and achievements.

September 1992: Short Selling of Pounds Sterling

In the months leading up to Black Wednesday on September 16, 1992, George Soros strategically built a large short position in pounds sterling. Soros anticipated difficulties for the UK within the European Exchange Rate Mechanism, particularly due to the high rate at which the UK entered the mechanism, coupled with high inflation and unfavorable interest rates.

September 16, 1992: Black Wednesday and Soros's Short Selling Profits

On September 16, 1992, known as Black Wednesday, Soros's fund had sold short over $10 billion worth of pounds sterling. This move capitalized on the UK government's reluctance to either increase interest rates or float the pound.

October 26, 1992: Soros's Comments on Black Wednesday

On October 26, 1992, The New York Times published an interview with George Soros, where he stated, "Our total position by Black Wednesday had to be worth almost $10 billion. We planned to sell more than that. In fact, when Norman Lamont said just before the devaluation that he would borrow nearly $15 billion to defend sterling, we were amused because that was about how much we wanted to sell." These comments offered insights into Soros's strategy and thinking during the events of Black Wednesday.

1992: The Man Who Broke the Bank of England

During the 1992 Black Wednesday UK currency crisis, George Soros profited $1 billion by short selling US$10 billion worth of pounds sterling, earning him the moniker "The Man Who Broke the Bank of England."

1994: The Project on Death in America

One of the Open Society Institute's projects, active from 1994 to 2003, was the Project on Death in America. It sought to foster a deeper understanding of death and bereavement and promote a transformation in the culture surrounding these experiences.

1995: Soros backs Washington Soccer L.P.

In 1995, George Soros financially backed Washington Soccer L.P., the group that held operating rights to Major League Soccer club D.C. United when the league was founded. However, the group lost these rights in 2000.

1995: Soros receives honorary degree from University of Bologna

In 1995, George Soros received an honorary degree in economics from the University of Bologna. This honor acknowledged his impact on the field of economics and his philanthropic efforts.

February 5, 1996: Trading Finnish Markkas

On February 5, 1996, Soros was believed to have executed trades involving billions of Finnish markkas, anticipating a short-selling opportunity. The Finnish markka was floating at the time due to the economic depression of the early 1990s. While the Bank of Finland and the Finnish Government denied any possibility of a "conspiracy," Soros's actions fueled speculation about his influence on currency markets.

1997: Soros Foundation Closed in Belarus

In 1997, the Soros Foundation was closed in Belarus after being fined $3 million by the government for alleged tax and currency violations.

1997: Short Selling of Thai Baht and Malaysian Ringgit

In 1997, Soros Fund Management recognized the growing instability in Southeast Asian economies. They responded by short selling the Thai baht and Malaysian ringgit, anticipating a decline in their values. However, Soros maintained that they were buyers when the currencies began to fall, aiming to realize profits from their earlier speculation. They exited their positions prematurely, fearing capital controls, which Mahathir later imposed, though not before they could have maximized their gains.

1997: Accusations During the Asian Financial Crisis

During the 1997 Asian financial crisis, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad accused George Soros of leveraging his wealth to punish ASEAN for admitting Myanmar as a member. Mahathir, known for his antisemitic stance, alluded to a Jewish conspiracy orchestrated by Soros to engineer the crisis.

1998: Conversation with Son about Israel

After his son Alexander's bar mitzvah in 1998, George Soros suggested that he consider immigrating to Israel if he was serious about his Jewish identity. This conversation highlights Soros's complex relationship with his Jewish heritage.

1998: Soros states he is not religious

In a 1998 interview with CBS News, George Soros mentioned that he was not religious and did not believe in God. This statement provided insight into his personal beliefs and spiritual views.

1998: Publication of "The Crisis of Global Capitalism: Open Society Endangered"

In his 1998 book, "The Crisis of Global Capitalism: Open Society Endangered," George Soros addressed his role in the 1997 Asian financial crisis. He emphasized the crisis's alarming scope and severity, highlighting the unsustainable discrepancies in trade and capital accounts.

1998: "The Crisis of Global Capitalism" Published

Soros authored "The Crisis of Global Capitalism," published in 1998, where he outlined his perspectives on the inherent instability of global financial systems and the potential for crises.

1999: Paul Krugman's Critique of Soros's Influence

In 1999, economist Paul Krugman criticized George Soros's impact on financial markets, arguing that his actions could destabilize economies and currencies.

2000: Washington Soccer L.P. loses rights to D.C. United

In 2000, Washington Soccer L.P., the group financially backed by George Soros, lost the operating rights to Major League Soccer club D.C. United.

September 2002: Soros's Open Society Institute Provides Funding to Lynne Stewart's Defense Committee

In September 2002, the Open Society Institute, founded by George Soros, donated $20,000 to the Defense Committee of Lynne Stewart, a lawyer known for representing controversial and often unpopular clients. Stewart was later sentenced to prison for "providing material support for a terrorist conspiracy" through a press conference held for a client. An OSI spokesperson explained that the donation was made based on what they perceived as a "right-to-counsel issue worthy of support" at the time but stated that subsequent requests for support were declined.

November 11, 2003: Opposition to George W. Bush's Presidency

On November 11, 2003, George Soros publicly declared his opposition to President George W. Bush, stating that removing him from office was his "central focus". He donated significantly to organizations that supported Democrats in the 2004 election.

2003: Comments on Antisemitism and Criticism from ADL

In 2003, Soros suggested that the policies of the Bush and Sharon administrations contributed to a rise in European antisemitism. He faced criticism from the Anti-Defamation League, with national director Abraham Foxman calling his views simplistic and blaming Jews for antisemitism.

2003: End of the Project on Death in America

The Open Society Institute's Project on Death in America, active from 1994 to 2003, came to an end. It had aimed to explore and change the culture and experience of dying and grieving.

2003: Soros Donates to 527 Groups Aiming to Defeat Bush

During the 2003-2004 election cycle, Soros donated $23,581,000 to various 527 Groups aiming to defeat President George W. Bush.

2003: Publication of "The Bubble of American Supremacy"

In 2003, George Soros published his book, "The Bubble of American Supremacy", a critique of the Bush administration's "War on Terror". Soros argued that the approach was misguided and counterproductive.

2003: Soros' Philanthropic Efforts in Post-Communist States Through Open Society Foundations

By 2003, George Soros had been actively engaged in philanthropic endeavors aimed at fostering peaceful democratic transitions in post-communist countries. These efforts, largely concentrated in Central and Eastern Europe, were primarily channeled through the Open Society Foundations (originally the Open Society Institute or OSI) and various national Soros Foundations, sometimes operating under different names like the Stefan Batory Foundation in Poland. PBS estimated that Soros had donated a total of $4 billion by this time. The OSI reported annual expenditures of approximately $500 million in recent years.

September 28, 2004: Campaign Against President Bush

On September 28, 2004, Soros further demonstrated his opposition to President Bush by increasing his financial support for the campaign against him and commencing a multi-state tour with a speech titled "Why We Must Not Re-elect President Bush".

2004: Soros Increases Political Donations, Backs Democracy Alliance

Following President George W. Bush's re-election in 2004, George Soros significantly increased his political donations and backed the Democracy Alliance to support progressive causes.

November 2005: Soros Supports Kosovo's Independence

In November 2005, Soros publicly expressed his view that Kosovo should be granted independence.

2005: George Soros divorces Susan Weber

In 2005, George Soros divorced his second wife, Susan Weber. They had two children together during their marriage.

2005: Soros attempts to buy the Washington Nationals

In 2005, George Soros was a minority partner in a group that attempted to purchase the Washington Nationals, a Major League Baseball team. Some Republican lawmakers suggested revoking Major League Baseball's antitrust exemption if Soros bought the team.

June 14, 2006: French Supreme Court Confirms Conviction

On June 14, 2006, the French Supreme Court confirmed George Soros's conviction related to insider trading charges regarding Société Générale, but reduced the penalty to €940,000.

September 2006: Soros pledges $50 million to Millennium Promise

In September 2006, George Soros pledged $50 million to the Millennium Promise initiative, led by economist Jeffrey Sachs. This program aimed to provide educational, agricultural, and medical aid to African villages suffering from poverty. The New York Times highlighted this as a significant shift in Soros's philanthropic focus, which had previously centered on fostering democracy and good governance. Soros argued that bad governance was a primary cause of poverty.

December 2006: Soros Appeals to European Court of Human Rights

In December 2006, George Soros appealed to the European Court of Human Rights against his insider trading conviction in France, citing a right to a fair hearing.

2006: Soros-Backed Initiatives Face Opposition in Some Countries

By 2006, some pro-democracy initiatives supported by Soros encountered resistance and bans in countries like Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

2006: From Immigrant to Financier

During a discussion in 2006, George Soros shared his journey of transitioning from an immigrant to a successful financier.

2006: Meeting with Mahathir Mohamad

In 2006, George Soros and Mahathir Mohamad, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, met, and Mahathir subsequently acknowledged that Soros was not culpable for the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

2006: Criticism of US Foreign Policy

In 2006, Soros reiterated his criticism of US foreign policy, stating that the "war on terror" set the wrong agenda for the world and inevitably created innocent victims. He emphasized the global disapproval of US actions.

2007: Time Magazine Highlights Soros's Philanthropic Projects and Donations

In 2007, Time magazine showcased two notable philanthropic initiatives supported by George Soros: a $100 million contribution towards internet infrastructure development for regional universities in Russia and a $50 million donation to the Millennium Promise, an organization dedicated to eradicating extreme poverty in Africa. The magazine also mentioned that Soros had donated $742 million to projects within the United States, bringing his total philanthropic giving to over $7 billion.

May 2008: "The New Paradigm for Financial Markets" Predicts Superbubble Collapse

Soros's book "The New Paradigm for Financial Markets," published in May 2008, warned of a "superbubble" that had been forming over the preceding 25 years and was on the verge of collapse. This book was the third in a series where Soros predicted major financial crises.

2008: Reflexivity in Housing Markets

Soros, around 2008, pointed to the debt and equity dynamics of the housing market as a prime illustration of reflexivity in contemporary financial markets. He argued that easier lending practices in the 1990s led to increased homeownership, driving up house prices. This, in turn, made lenders perceive their loan portfolios as less risky, encouraging them to lend even more, further inflating the housing bubble.

2008: Global Financial Crisis

The year 2008 saw a major global financial crisis, often considered the most severe since the Great Depression.

2008: Soros's name associated with AS Roma

In 2008, George Soros's name was linked to AS Roma, an Italian football club, although the club was not eventually sold to him.

2008: Soros inducted into Hedge Fund Manager Hall of Fame

In 2008, George Soros was inducted into Institutional Investors Alpha's Hedge Fund Manager Hall of Fame. He was recognized alongside other notable figures in the hedge fund industry, including Alfred Jones, Bruce Kovner, David Swensen, Jack Nash, and others.

2008: Funding Drug Policy Reform

Soros consistently financially supported drug policy reform efforts globally, including a successful 2008 ballot measure in Massachusetts to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana. He also contributed to similar initiatives in other US states.

2008: Soros's Theory of Reflexivity Gains Recognition

Initially met with skepticism from economists, Soros's concept of reflexivity gained traction following the 2008 financial crisis. His theories offered an explanation for the tendency of markets to overshoot or undershoot when transitioning between equilibrium states.

2008: Soros meets Tamiko Bolton

In 2008, George Soros met Tamiko Bolton, who would later become his third wife. They married in 2013.

February 2009: Soros on the Disintegration of the World Financial System

In February 2009, Soros made a statement that the global financial system had essentially fallen apart. He emphasized that there was no solution to the crisis in the near future.

June 2009: $100 Million Donation to Central and Eastern Europe

In June 2009, to combat the effects of the economic crisis on vulnerable populations, George Soros donated $100 million to organizations in Central and Eastern Europe.

August 2009: Soros Donates to Underprivileged Children in New York

In August 2009, Soros donated $35 million to New York state to support underprivileged children, providing $200 per child aged 3 through 17.

October 2009: Foundation of the Institute for New Economic Thinking

In response to the late-2000s recession, George Soros established the Institute for New Economic Thinking in October 2009. This think tank brought together global experts in economics, business, and finance to explore innovative approaches to restructuring the international economic and financial system.

October 2009: Soros's Stance on Marijuana

In an October 2009 interview, Soros shared his belief that marijuana is less addictive but unsuitable for children and students. He disclosed that he had not used marijuana in years and revealed his significant financial support for the Drug Policy Alliance.

October 2010: Supporting California's Proposition 19

Soros donated $1 million in October 2010 to support California's Proposition 19, a ballot measure aimed at legalizing and regulating cannabis.

2010: Alleged "Indirect Financial Links" Between Soros and Adbusters Debunked

In 2010, allegations of "indirect financial links" between George Soros and Adbusters, the group credited with sparking the Occupy Wall Street protests, were debunked by both parties.

May 2011: Soros donates $60 million to Bard College

In May 2011, George Soros donated $60 million to Bard College to establish the Bard College Center for Civic Engagement. This contribution aimed to promote civic engagement through educational initiatives.

July 2011: Return of Outside Investors' Money and Shift to Family Fortune

In July 2011, George Soros decided to return approximately $1 billion in outside investors' money from his fund. Citing changes in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission disclosure rules, which he felt would compromise client confidentiality, Soros opted to invest funds from his $24.5 billion family fortune instead. At this point, the fund had consistently averaged over 20% in annual compounded returns.

October 2011: European Court of Human Rights Rejects Appeal

In October 2011, the European Court of Human Rights rejected Soros's appeal against his French insider trading conviction in a 4–3 decision.

October 2011: Reuters Retracts Story on Soros Funding Occupy Wall Street

In October 2011, Reuters published a correction retracting an earlier story that had suggested George Soros was a funder of the Occupy Wall Street protests.

October 2011: Call for Stronger European Economic Government

In October 2011, Soros co-authored an open letter urging European leaders to strengthen economic governance within the Eurozone. The letter advocated for federal solutions like a common treasury and fiscal supervision, warning against nationalistic approaches to the economic crisis.

2011: Extensive Philanthropic Giving

By 2011, George Soros had donated over $11 billion to various philanthropic causes.

2011: Growth of Quantum Fund

By 2011, Soros' Quantum Fund, originally named Double Eagle, had grown to manage $25 billion in assets.

August 21, 2012: Soros acquires stake in Manchester United

On August 21, 2012, the BBC reported that George Soros had acquired approximately a 2% stake in Manchester United, an English football club. This investment was made through the purchase of 3 million of the club's Class-A shares.

September 27, 2012: Soros Donates to Obama's Reelection Campaign

On September 27, 2012, Soros donated $1 million to Priorities USA Action, a super PAC backing President Barack Obama's reelection campaign.

2012: Targeted by Hungarian Government

Beginning in 2012, the Hungarian Fidesz government, led by Viktor Orbán, labeled George Soros as an enemy of the state. This was due to his humanitarian work and stance on the European refugee crisis. The government also targeted his Open Society Foundations and attempted to shut down the Central European University in Budapest.

June 15, 2013: Death of Paul Soros

Paul Soros, George Soros's older brother, passed away on June 15, 2013. Paul was a private investor and philanthropist.

September 21, 2013: George Soros marries Tamiko Bolton

On September 21, 2013, George Soros married Tamiko Bolton. This was Soros's third marriage.

October 2013: Soros Becomes Co-Chairman of Ready for Hillary's National Finance Committee

In October 2013, Soros donated $25,000 to Ready for Hillary, a super PAC supporting Hillary Clinton, and became a co-chairman of its national finance committee.

2013: Exceptional Performance of Quantum Fund

The Quantum Fund achieved exceptional returns in 2013, generating $5.5 billion in profit. This success solidified its place as one of the most successful hedge funds in history.

January 2014: Soros ranked number 1 by LCH Investments

In January 2014, George Soros was ranked number 1 on LCH Investments' list of top 20 managers. This ranking was based on gains of almost $42 billion since the launch of his Quantum Endowment Fund in 1973.

May 2014: Soros Reveals Role of His Foundation in Ukraine's Development

In May 2014, during an interview with CNN's Fareed Zakaria, George Soros disclosed that he had established a foundation in Ukraine before it gained independence from Russia. He highlighted the foundation's continuous operation and its significant contributions to the country's development.

January 2015: Soros Urges Europe to Recognize Russian Threat and Expand Sanctions

In January 2015, George Soros called on Europe to acknowledge the threat posed by Russia and advocated for the expansion of economic sanctions against Moscow due to its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.

January 2015: Soros Calls for $50 Billion EU Bailout for Ukraine

In January 2015, George Soros urged the European Union to provide Ukraine with a $50 billion bailout package.

June 2015: Soros Donates $1 Million to Priorities USA Action

In June 2015, Soros donated $1 million to Priorities USA Action, a super PAC supporting Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign.

July 2015: Soros Characterizes Putin's Crimea Annexation as Challenge to World Order

In July 2015, George Soros argued that Vladimir Putin's annexation of Crimea posed a challenge to the established world order, particularly to the European Union. He suggested that Putin aimed to destabilize Ukraine by triggering a financial and political crisis while evading responsibility. Soros believed that Putin sought to avoid a full-scale occupation of eastern Ukraine, aiming to keep it economically dependent on Russia.

July 2015: Soros Proposes US-China Strategic Partnership to Avert Conflict

In July 2015, George Soros suggested that a strategic partnership between the United States and China could help prevent the emergence of two opposing power blocs that might engage in military conflict.

November 2015: Russia Bans Soros's Open Society Foundations, Citing Threat to Constitutional System

In November 2015, Russia banned the Open Society Foundations (OSF) and the Open Society Institute (OSI), both founded by George Soros, labeling them as threats to Russia's constitutional order and national security.

December 2015: Russia Accuses Soros's Charities of Promoting Anti-Russian Ideologies

In December 2015, a Russian intergovernmental letter alleged that George Soros's charities engaged in promoting a distorted view of history and disseminating ideological directives contrary to Russian ideology.

December 2015: Soros Donates $6 Million to Priorities USA Action

In December 2015, Soros donated an additional $6 million to Priorities USA Action in support of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.

2015: Investment in Fen Hotels

In 2015, the Soros Fund announced a significant investment of $300 million to support the expansion of Fen Hotels, an Argentine hotel company. This investment aimed to facilitate the development of 5,000 hotel rooms across various Latin American countries over the subsequent three years.

2015: Criticism of Viktor Orbán's Handling of Migrant Crisis

In 2015, Soros criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's approach to the European migrant crisis. He contrasted Orbán's focus on border protection with his own view that protecting refugees should be the priority.

January 2016: Books Funded by Soros's Charities Seized and Withdrawn in Russia

In January 2016, authorities at the Vorkuta Mining and Economic College in Russia confiscated numerous books associated with Soros's "Renewal of Humanitarian Education" program, with some designated for destruction. A Russian intergovernmental letter from December 2015 accused Soros's charities of distorting history and promoting ideologies contrary to Russian values. Notably, many of these books had received funding from Soros's organizations.

January 2016: Prediction of a Financial Crisis

In January 2016, at an economic forum in Sri Lanka, George Soros predicted a global financial crisis similar to the one in 2008. He based his prediction on the state of global currency, stock and commodity markets, and the devaluation of the Chinese yuan.

January 2016: Soros Predicts "Hard Landing" for Chinese Economy, Draws Criticism from Chinese State Media

During an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2016, George Soros predicted a "practically unavoidable" hard landing for the Chinese economy. This statement drew sharp criticism from Chinese state media, which asserted that Soros's challenges to the Chinese yuan and the Hong Kong dollar were destined to fail.

August 2016: Soros Donates $2.5 Million to Priorities USA Action

In August 2016, Soros contributed another $2.5 million to Priorities USA Action, further supporting Hillary Clinton's presidential run.

2016: Soros Funds Progressive Criminal Justice Reform Campaigns

Since 2016, Soros has been donating significant sums to support progressive candidates advocating for criminal justice reform through the Safety and Justice PAC.

2016: Criticism of Israel's Policies and Support for BDS Movement

In 2016, leaked emails revealed that George Soros's Open Society Foundation aimed to challenge Israeli policies in international forums. Soros has funded NGOs critical of Israel, including those supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

January 2017: "Stop Operation Soros" Launched in Macedonia

The "Stop Operation Soros" (SOS) initiative emerged in Macedonia in January 2017 with the stated aim of exposing Soros's global operations and promoting "de-Soros-ization" in Macedonia.

March 2017: Scrutiny from US Senators and Judicial Watch

In March 2017, six US senators, questioning Soros's activities, urged then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to investigate State Department and USAID grants to groups associated with Soros. The conservative group Judicial Watch also filed a lawsuit against the State Department and USAID, demanding transparency regarding a $5 million transfer to Soros's Open Society branch in Macedonia, alleging efforts to destabilize the Macedonian government.

July 2017: Soros elected Honorary Fellow of the British Academy

In July 2017, George Soros was elected an Honorary Fellow of the British Academy (HonFBA), the UK's national academy for the humanities and social sciences.

July 2017: Hungarian Billboard Campaign Targeting Soros

In July 2017, a billboard campaign in Hungary backed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán targeted George Soros. The campaign, widely condemned as anti-semitic, portrayed Soros as an enemy of the state. Orbán defended the campaign, stating that it aimed to warn voters about Soros's perceived influence.

October 17, 2017: Soros transfers $18 billion to Open Society Foundations

On October 17, 2017, it was announced that George Soros had transferred $18 billion to his Open Society Foundations. This significant transfer aimed to sustain and expand the foundation's global efforts in promoting democracy, human rights, and social justice.

2017: Study Highlights Impact of Soros's Grant Program on Post-Soviet Scientists

A 2017 study revealed that a grant program funded by George Soros, which supported over 28,000 scientists in former Soviet republics after the Soviet Union's collapse, had significant and lasting positive impacts on scientific productivity and retention.

2017: Total Philanthropic Donations Reach $12 Billion

George Soros's donations towards civil initiatives, poverty reduction, transparency, scholarships, and universities around the world reached a total of $12 billion by 2017.

2017: Soros Funds Larry Krasner's Successful Philadelphia DA Campaign

In 2017, Soros provided substantial funding, including a $1.5 million ad campaign, to support Larry Krasner's successful campaign for District Attorney of Philadelphia.

2017: Lawsuit by Beny Steinmetz

Israeli businessman Beny Steinmetz filed a lawsuit against George Soros in 2017. Steinmetz alleged that Soros influenced the Guinean government to harm his business interests due to animosity towards Israel. Soros denied the allegations, calling them frivolous.

2017: Criticism of Donald Trump

Soros publicly criticized Donald Trump in 2017, labeling him a "con man" and predicting his failure as president due to self-contradictory ideas. He also expressed concerns about Trump's potential trade war and its impact on financial markets.

May 16, 2018: Open Society Foundations Relocates from Budapest to Berlin

Citing an "increasingly repressive" environment in Hungary, George Soros's Open Society Foundations announced in May 2018 the relocation of its office from Budapest to Berlin.

October 2018: Soros donates $2 million to Wikimedia Foundation

In October 2018, George Soros donated $2 million to the Wikimedia Foundation through the Wikimedia Endowment program. This contribution aimed to support free access to knowledge and information globally.

October 2018: October 2018 United States mail bombing attempts

As part of the October 2018 United States mail bombing attempts, a pipe bomb was found in Soros's mailbox. Similar bombs were sent to other high-profile figures, including Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

October 22, 2018: Pipe Bomb Found at Soros's Home

On October 22, 2018, a pipe bomb was discovered in the mailbox at Soros's residence in Katonah, New York. This was part of a series of attempted mail bombings targeting prominent Democrats and liberals in the United States.

October 26, 2018: Arrest Made in Mail Bombing Case

Cesar Sayoc Jr. was apprehended in Aventura, Florida, on October 26, 2018, as a suspect in the mail bombing incidents.

2018: Soros Highlights Challenges Facing Europe and Advocates for "Multi-Track Europe"

In 2018, George Soros expressed concerns about significant challenges confronting Europe, including immigration issues, austerity measures, and countries leaving the European Union. He characterized the situation as an existential crisis, citing the rise of populism, the refugee crisis, and growing tensions between Europe and the United States. He also pointed out unresolved issues with the euro, emphasizing the need to prevent them from undermining the European Union. In response to these challenges, Soros advocated for shifting from the concept of a "multi-speed Europe" to a "multi-track Europe," offering member states a broader range of options.

2018: Conspiracy Theories and Criticisms

In 2018, conspiracy theories about George Soros became widespread, particularly within the Republican Party, often criticized as being antisemitic.

2018: Son's Explanation for Soros's Philanthropy

In 2018, Alex Soros, son of George Soros, explained his father's dedication to fighting for an open society. He stated that his father believes a Jew can only feel safe in a non-Jewish state if other minorities are also protected. This belief has been a driving force behind Soros's philanthropic work.

2018: Hungarian Government Propaganda Campaign

As part of the 2018 election cycle, the Hungarian government launched a propaganda campaign to stir public hostility towards George Soros. This included posters with his image making false claims about his intentions regarding migration. This was part of a larger strategy to discredit Soros and his Open Society Foundation.

2018: Soros named Financial Times Person of the Year

In 2018, George Soros was named the Financial Times Person of the Year. The Financial Times described him as "a standard bearer for liberal democracy, an idea under siege from populists".

January 2019: Soros Labels Xi Jinping as Threat to Open Societies, Criticizes China's Surveillance System and Business Practices

In his January 2019 speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, George Soros identified Xi Jinping, the paramount leader of China, as the "most dangerous opponent of open societies." He argued that China's wealth, strength, and technological advancement made it a formidable challenge. Soros urged the United States to prevent Chinese tech giants Huawei and ZTE from dominating the 5G market, citing security risks. He also condemned China's Social Credit System as a tool for mass surveillance and criticized American companies for prioritizing business over human rights in their dealings with China.

April 2019: Soros awarded Ridenhour Prize for Courage

In April 2019, George Soros was awarded the Ridenhour Prize for Courage. In his acceptance speech, Soros highlighted the Hungarian government's portrayal of him as a super villain and announced his decision to donate the prize money to the Hungarian Spectrum, an online publication exposing Hungarian politics.

July 2019: Soros Launches Democracy PAC, Donates $5.1 Million

By July 2019, Soros had launched Democracy PAC, a new super PAC for the 2020 election cycle, and donated $5.1 million to it.

August 2019: Sentencing in Mail Bombing Case

Cesar Sayoc Jr. was given a 20-year prison term in August 2019 for sending 16 pipe bombs to 13 people. It is important to note that none of the devices detonated.

January 2020: Soros announces $1 billion endowment

In January 2020, George Soros announced a $1 billion endowment at the World Economic Forum to establish the Open Society University Network. This global network of educational institutions was created in partnership with Bard College and the Central European University, with Bard College president Leon Botstein serving as its chancellor.

March 2020: Forbes Ranks Soros as 162nd Richest Person, Highlights His Philanthropic Contributions

As of March 2020, Forbes magazine listed George Soros as the 162nd wealthiest individual globally, with an estimated net worth of $8.3 billion. The magazine highlighted his substantial philanthropic contributions, noting that he had donated 64% of his initial fortune, amounting to over $15 billion, through his Open Society Foundations. This organization focuses on supporting initiatives in justice, education, public health, and independent media. Forbes recognized Soros as the most generous giver based on the percentage of net worth donated.

July 2020: Soros's Foundations announce $220 million in grants

In July 2020, George Soros's Foundations announced plans to distribute $220 million in grants for racial justice groups, criminal justice reform, and civic engagement. This significant financial commitment aimed to support organizations working towards social justice and equality.

July 2020: Soros donates $100 million to Bard College

In July 2020, George Soros donated $100 million to Bard College to strengthen and expand its Center for Civic Engagement initiatives. This donation also supported Bard's leadership role as a founding partner of the Open Society University Network.

2020: Soros Becomes One of Biden Campaign's Largest Donors

In the second quarter of 2020, Soros donated at least $500,000 to Joe Biden's presidential campaign, becoming one of its largest donors.

2020: Soros Supports George Gascón and Kim Foxx's DA Campaigns

Soros was a major donor in the 2020 District Attorney elections, contributing significantly to George Gascón's campaign in Los Angeles County and Kim Foxx's campaign in Cook County.

2020: Soros Launches Democracy PAC for 2020 Election

Soros launched Democracy PAC, a super PAC, for the 2020 election cycle.

April 2021: Soros pledges $500 million to Bard College

In April 2021, George Soros pledged $500 million to Bard College's endowment, marking one of the largest donations ever made to higher education in the United States. This pledge aimed to enhance the college's educational programs and infrastructure.

August 2021: Soros donates $25 million to Bard College's Center for Curatorial Studies

In August 2021, George Soros donated $25 million to the Center for Curatorial Studies at Bard College. This donation was intended to support the center's initiatives and educational programs.

May 2022: Soros Warns of Potential "Third World War" and Emphasizes Urgent Need to Defeat Putin

In May 2022, George Soros cautioned that the Russian invasion of Ukraine could escalate into a "third world war." He stressed the urgency of defeating Vladimir Putin, emphasizing that the conflict had overshadowed other pressing global issues such as pandemics, climate change, nuclear proliferation, and the stability of international institutions. Soros expressed concerns that civilization itself might be at risk if the conflict continued.

September 2022: Soros donates another $25 million to Bard

In September 2022, George Soros donated an additional $25 million to Bard College. This donation continued his extensive support for the institution's educational and civic engagement programs.

2022: Soros's property ownership in 2022

As of 2022, George Soros owned multiple properties, including homes on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, in The Hamptons on Long Island, and in Katonah, New York, within Westchester County.

2022: Soros Becomes Largest Donor in US Elections

Soros emerged as the largest political donor in the United States for the 2022 election cycle, contributing $128.5 million to support the Democratic Party.

October 2023: George Soros' Net Worth and Philanthropy

As of October 2023, George Soros had a net worth of $6.7 billion, having donated over $32 billion to the Open Society Foundations, representing 64% of his original fortune.

December 2023: Soros swatted during harassment period

In December 2023, George Soros was a victim of swatting, a form of harassment where a false report is made to emergency services to provoke a large response. This incident occurred during a period when several American political figures were similarly targeted.

History of George Soros in Timeline