The media recently reported that in 2016, the Hillary Clinton campaign planned to tie Donald Trump to Russia. Intelligence documents show messaging strategies involving Soros-linked individuals.
This blows up public trust in US intelligence. It shows how political operatives and NGOs blur the lines between campaigning and national security.
Durham Annex Exposes Clinton Campaign Strategy
John Durham declassified a classified annex from his 2023 report. It describes scheming by Clinton’s team to falsely link Trump and Russia. Analysts found emails that referred to “special services,” “CrowdStrike,” and “ThreatConnect” as tools to spread collusion narratives.
In one memo, a Soros-linked adviser wrote that Clinton approved spreading fear about Trump and Putin. He said, “Later, the FBI will put more oil in the fire”. Analysts thought the emails might be from hacked internal communications of groups like the Open Society Foundations.
Despite this evidence, the FBI didn’t investigate those communications thoroughly. Instead, they relied on the Steele dossier to get FISA warrants against Trump associates. Durham’s team rated the emails “likely authentic” but possibly from multiple sources.
FBI’s Weak Follow-Through and Political Fallout
The FBI got the intelligence on Clinton’s plan but didn’t verify it. Agents and analysts ignored material without investigating.
They prioritized the Steele dossier. Investigators used it to get FISA warrants despite its weak sourcing. Durham criticized the FBI for biased analysis and a lack of rigor.
The annex also shows that Obama officials got the intelligence in a high-level briefing in August 2016. The CIA evaluated but didn’t confirm the origin of the emails.
Former Senator Chuck Grassley called the FBI’s failure one of the biggest political scandals in modern America. But other investigations Mueller and Senate Intelligence confirmed Russian interference in 2016.
Recently, Attorney General Pam Bondi launched a grand jury probe into the origins of the probe.
Experts Dispute the New Claims
Some say no. The Washington Post reported that the FBI investigated the emails and found nothing.
The Durham annex acknowledges uncertainty around the emails. Analysts thought they might be composites or forgeries produced by Russian hacking.
Tulsi Gabbard, now the Intelligence Director, tried to expose a deep state plot. Durham’s findings undermine her claims by showing real Russian interference. Durham didn’t accuse the FBI of criminal activity. AP notes that the documents are still political.
India: Soros-Linked NGOs in Enforcement Directorate’s Crosshairs
In March 2025, India’s Enforcement Directorate raided eight locations in Bengaluru linked to Open Society Foundations and its investment arm, SEDF.
They targeted NGOs like Amnesty India and Human Rights Watch for suspected FEMA violations. ED claims OSF channeled funds via FDI and consultancy fees to bypass restrictions.
OSF entered India in 1999 and was put under the “Prior Reference Category” in 2016. That meant government approval was required for any Indian funding.
One of the premises searched was Aspada Investments Pvt Ltd, SEDF’s India fund manager based in Mauritius.
This is India’s growing scrutiny of foreign-funded NGOs, especially Soros-linked bodies. Authorities say they defend legal norms, while critics say they suppress dissent.
Global Repercussions and Institutional Trust
These stories have a long-term impact on political narratives and legal scrutiny. In the US, alleged manipulation of Russiagate has eroded trust in institutions. Unmet expectations of the FBI-Bureau equals discussion on bias and justice.
Raids against Soros-linked NGOs in India have generated concerns regarding shrinking civic space and legal overreach. Says the critics, selective enforcement undermines democratic norms.
Soros is at the centre. In Washington, he is accused of influencing investigative outcomes. In New Delhi, his organisations are facing legal challenges.
Together, these stories show how NGOs and political campaigns can become targets in polarised environments. They highlight the fine line between scrutiny and suppression.
Conclusion
The declassified Durham annex reveals serious allegations of a Clinton campaign strategy to link Trump to Russia. Intelligence seems credible, but the FBI didn’t investigate. This raises questions about objectivity and political influence in US law enforcement.
In India, ED’s raids on Soros-linked entities show global pressure on philanthropic and human rights groups. Across continents, institutional trust suffers when political narratives drive actions.
More transparency and sound processes are demanded by the public more than ever. Citizens and watchdogs must insist that no investigations be launched except pursuant to bona fide grounds, and not for partisan reasons.
