George Soros and Barack Obama: Their Political Connection Explained
George Soros and Barack Obama are connected mainly through U.S. politics and philanthropy. Soros supported Obama’s political rise and later backed groups working for Obama’s reelection, but the two did not have the close personal relationship that some online claims suggest. In fact, Soros later publicly expressed disappointment with Obama’s presidency.
George Soros and Barack Obama became linked in American political discussions long before Obama entered the White House. Their connection developed through Democratic politics, major-donor networks, economic policy debates, and shared interest in some civic and social issues.
The relationship is more complicated than the simple image of a billionaire financier directing a president. Soros financially supported political efforts connected to Obama, yet Soros also criticized Obama’s policies and said he had been unable to establish the kind of personal contact with the president that he wanted.
Understanding that distinction is important because the two men have often been discussed together in political commentary.
Who Are George Soros and Barack Obama?
George Soros is a Hungarian-born investor and philanthropist who built his fortune in financial markets. He founded the Open Society Foundations, which supports organizations working on democracy, human rights, justice, education, and other social issues. Soros began his philanthropic work in 1979 and later expanded it internationally.
Barack Obama is the 44th president of the United States. Born in Hawaii on August 4, 1961, he studied at Columbia University and Harvard Law School before working as a community organizer and civil rights lawyer in Chicago. He later served in the Illinois Senate and U.S. Senate before becoming president in 2009.
Their careers were very different. Soros became influential through finance and philanthropy, while Obama built his public profile through law, community organizing, and elected office.
Their paths crossed because Soros was an important Democratic donor and Obama emerged as a major Democratic political figure.
How Did George Soros and Barack Obama First Connect?
Obama’s relationship with major Democratic donors developed during his rise from Illinois politics to national prominence.
In 2006, Obama met a group of influential people at an event held at Soros’s office in New York. Robert Wolf, who later became an informal adviser to Obama’s presidential campaign, recalled meeting Obama at a gathering at Soros’s offices that year.
Soros’s interest in Obama was also tied to the political changes Obama represented. By 2008, Obama had become a major presidential candidate, and Soros supported his campaign.
Soros was already a major force in Democratic politics before Obama became president. His political giving had received significant attention during the 2004 election cycle, when he spent tens of millions of dollars supporting Democratic-aligned efforts.
That history helps explain why his support for Obama attracted attention.
Did George Soros Support Barack Obama?
Yes. Soros supported Obama politically and financially.
During the 2008 presidential election, Soros gave money to the Obama Victory Fund. Contemporary campaign records also show a $2,300 contribution to the fund in July 2008.
Contemporary reporting described Soros as a significant Obama supporter during the 2008 election. Some reports also described a broader Soros commitment to Obama’s political rise.
Soros’s support was based in part on his opposition to the policies of the George W. Bush administration. In later comments, Soros explained that he believed America needed a break from the Bush era and that Obama’s election represented that change.
His support therefore had a clear political explanation. It was not simply a matter of personal friendship.
Soros and Obama’s 2012 Reelection Campaign
Soros also supported efforts connected to Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign.
In May 2012, Soros announced $2 million in contributions to America Votes and American Bridge. Both organizations were involved in Democratic political activity.
Later that year, Soros committed another $1 million to Priorities USA Action, a super PAC supporting Obama’s reelection. He also pledged $500,000 to two other super PACs supporting Democratic congressional candidates.
This distinction matters. A super PAC is legally separate from a candidate’s campaign and cannot coordinate directly with the campaign under federal rules. Soros’s contribution therefore supported an outside political organization rather than functioning as a direct payment to Obama himself.
Priorities USA Action was formed in 2011 to help reelect Obama in 2012.
Major Political Support
| Period | Connection |
|---|---|
| 2006 | Obama met influential donors at an event at Soros’s New York office |
| 2008 | Soros supported Obama’s presidential campaign |
| 2012 | Soros gave $2 million to Democratic groups |
| 2012 | Soros committed $1 million to Priorities USA Action |
| 2012 | Soros pledged additional money to Democratic congressional super PACs |
These events show a documented political connection between the two men.
Was George Soros a Close Personal Adviser to Obama?
There is no strong evidence that Soros served as Obama’s personal adviser.
In fact, Soros himself described the relationship as much less personal than some political narratives suggest.
In a 2011 essay, Soros wrote that he had hoped to influence economic policy during Obama’s presidency. He discussed ideas involving financial reform and the mortgage system. He also said his greatest disappointment was that he had been unable to establish personal contact with Obama himself.
That statement is significant because it directly challenges the idea that Soros regularly directed Obama personally.
Soros clearly wanted political influence through ideas, philanthropy, and political giving. But wanting influence is different from having direct control over a president.
Why Did Soros Become Disappointed With Obama?
Soros’s support for Obama did not mean that he agreed with everything the administration did.
By 2010 and 2011, Soros had become openly critical of parts of Obama’s presidency.
He was particularly unhappy with the administration’s handling of the financial crisis. Soros believed Obama had missed opportunities for deeper financial reform. He also criticized the administration for failing to hold officials from the previous administration accountable in the way he expected.
In a 2012 interview with Der Spiegel, Soros described himself as disillusioned with Obama. He said he had expected more transformational leadership.
This is one of the most important parts of the Soros and Obama story.
Soros could support Obama against Republican opponents while still criticizing Obama’s policies. Political support does not automatically mean complete agreement.
Did Soros Still Support Obama in 2012?
Yes, despite his disappointment.
Soros did not plan to repeat the scale of his earlier political giving, but he ultimately contributed substantial amounts to organizations supporting Obama and other Democrats.
His $1 million contribution to Priorities USA Action in September 2012 was widely reported at the time.
This reflected a practical political calculation. Soros could be dissatisfied with Obama’s record while still believing that an Obama victory was preferable to a Republican victory.
That distinction explains why his relationship with Obama cannot accurately be described as either total loyalty or a complete political break.
George Soros, Barack Obama and the Open Society Foundations
Another source of confusion involves Soros’s philanthropic organization.
The Open Society Foundations were created by Soros and support organizations working on democracy, justice, human rights, education, and related issues. The foundation says Soros has given more than $32 billion to its work since 1984.
The organization is separate from Obama’s political campaign.
Open Society also states that its grantmaking decisions are made through its professional staff and governance structures.
This distinction is important because political discussions sometimes treat Soros’s personal political donations and Open Society grants as if they were the same thing.
They are not.
Soros has personally participated in politics and has also funded philanthropic institutions. Those activities can overlap in broad themes, but they have different structures and purposes.
Did George Soros and Barack Obama Work Together After the Presidency?
There have been points of institutional overlap involving people connected to both networks.
For example, an Obama Foundation democracy forum included Alex Soros, George Soros’s son and then deputy chair of the Open Society Foundations, in a discussion about democratic culture.
That event does not establish that George Soros and Barack Obama had a close personal partnership. It shows that organizations and individuals associated with the two philanthropic networks have participated in discussions about democracy and civic life.
The distinction between the two men personally and their wider networks is important.
What Is Barack Obama Doing Now?
Obama left the presidency in January 2017 after serving two terms.
His post-presidential work has included the Obama Foundation and the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
The Obama Presidential Center officially opened in June 2026. The center includes a museum, public spaces, cultural programming, and initiatives connected to civic engagement and leadership.
The Obama Foundation continues to run leadership programs and other initiatives. In September 2026, it announced a new class of 155 global leaders from 64 countries and territories.
Obama therefore remains active in public life through his foundation and related projects, even though he is no longer president.
What Is George Soros Doing Now?
George Soros remains the founder of the Open Society Foundations, although his son Alex Soros now serves as chair of the organization’s board.
Soros’s philanthropic work continues to focus on areas including democracy, justice, human rights, equality, and accountable government.
The Open Society Foundations describe themselves as one of the world’s largest private funders of independent groups working on rights, equity, and justice.
Soros’s role today is therefore centered much more on philanthropy and public advocacy than on the day-to-day operation of a political campaign.
Common Claims About George Soros and Barack Obama
Because both men have played prominent roles in American public life, many claims about them circulate online.
One particularly notable example involved a photograph supposedly showing Obama laughing with Soros at a campaign event.
Fact-checkers found that the image had been digitally manipulated. The original photograph showed Obama with Senator Ted Kennedy at an American University campaign rally in January 2008. Soros’s face had been inserted over Kennedy’s.
This is a useful example of why photographs and social media posts should not automatically be treated as evidence of a personal relationship.
There is already enough documented history between Soros and Obama to explain their political connection without relying on altered images or unsupported claims.
George Soros and Barack Obama: Similarities and Differences
| George Soros | Barack Obama |
|---|---|
| Born in Hungary in 1930 | Born in Hawaii in 1961 |
| Investor and philanthropist | Lawyer, author, politician and former president |
| Founded Open Society Foundations | Founded the Obama Foundation |
| Became influential through finance and philanthropy | Became influential through elected office |
| Major Democratic political donor | Democratic president |
| Focused heavily on philanthropy and public policy | Focused on government, civic leadership and public programs |
Their influence comes from very different sources.
Soros built influence through wealth, philanthropy, policy advocacy, and political giving. Obama built influence through elections, public service, and the presidency.
That difference is central to understanding their connection.
Did George Soros Control Barack Obama?
There is no reliable evidence that George Soros controlled Barack Obama.
The documented record shows that Soros supported Obama financially, attended or hosted gatherings involving Obama and political donors, and advocated policy positions. It also shows that Soros became disappointed with Obama’s administration and complained that he had not established the personal contact he wanted with the president.
That record is more complicated than the claim that one man controlled the other.
Political donors can influence elections, public debate, and policy discussions. That influence should not automatically be confused with direct control of elected officials.
Why Their Connection Still Matters
The story of George Soros and Barack Obama illustrates the role wealthy donors, political organizations, and philanthropic networks can play in American public life.
Soros supported Obama because he viewed the candidate as a vehicle for political change. Obama benefited from support within a much larger Democratic fundraising network.
Yet their relationship also demonstrates the limits of political alignment.
Soros later criticized Obama’s economic policies and leadership. His own statements make clear that supporting a candidate did not guarantee access or agreement.
For readers trying to understand the connection between George Soros and Barack Obama, the most accurate picture is therefore straightforward. They were politically connected, Soros supported Obama and Democratic causes, and Soros later became critical of the Obama administration. There is no solid evidence that Soros controlled Obama or that the two maintained the kind of close personal partnership sometimes claimed online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is George Soros?
George Soros is a Hungarian-born investor and philanthropist. He founded the Open Society Foundations and has supported organizations working on democracy, human rights, justice, and related issues.
Who is Barack Obama?
Barack Obama is the 44th president of the United States. He served two presidential terms from 2009 through 2017.
Did George Soros support Barack Obama?
Yes. Soros supported Obama’s political campaigns and Democratic-aligned organizations, including groups involved in Obama’s 2008 and 2012 campaigns.
Did George Soros donate directly to Obama’s 2012 campaign?
Soros made political contributions connected to Obama, but one of his most widely reported 2012 contributions was $1 million to Priorities USA Action, an independent super PAC supporting Obama’s reelection.
Did Soros control Barack Obama?
There is no reliable evidence that Soros controlled Obama. The available record shows political support and policy advocacy, along with Soros’s later criticism of the Obama administration.
Why was George Soros disappointed with Obama?
Soros criticized Obama’s handling of the financial crisis, economic policy, and his approach to holding the previous administration accountable. He also said he had expected more transformational leadership.
Did George Soros and Barack Obama have a close personal relationship?
The evidence does not support describing them as close personal friends. Soros himself said he had been unable to establish the kind of personal contact with Obama that he wanted.
What is the Open Society Foundations?
The Open Society Foundations are a philanthropic network founded by George Soros. They support independent organizations and initiatives focused on rights, justice, democracy, and related causes.
Are George Soros and Barack Obama still politically connected?
Both remain active in public life through their respective organizations, but there is no strong evidence that they maintain a close personal political partnership today. The Obama Foundation and Open Society Foundations have participated in some overlapping civic and democracy discussions.
A Clearer Picture of Their Relationship
George Soros and Barack Obama share a documented history in American politics, but it is easy to overstate what that history means.
Soros was an important supporter of Obama and backed Democratic political organizations during Obama’s presidential campaigns. At the same time, Soros later criticized Obama and said he had struggled to establish personal contact with him.
That combination of support, disagreement, and limited personal access gives a more accurate picture than claims of a secret partnership or political control.
Their connection is best understood through political support, donor networks, policy disagreements, and philanthropy, rather than through an unsupported claim of direct personal control.
