A leading U.S. legislator has declared his intention to return contributions received from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), signaling a shift in the pro-Israel lobby’s influence within the Democratic Party.
On Thursday, Congressman Seth Moulton publicly distanced himself from AIPAC, criticizing the organization’s unwavering support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration.
Set to challenge progressive Senator Ed Markey in the upcoming Democratic primaries ahead of the midterm elections, Moulton’s decision reflects growing discomfort among Democrats regarding AIPAC’s political involvement, especially in light of Israel’s recent actions in Gaza.
“AIPAC has increasingly aligned itself with the policies of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government,” Moulton stated. “While I remain a supporter of Israel, I cannot endorse its current leadership, nor AIPAC’s mission to back that government. Therefore, I am returning the donations I have received and will no longer accept their support.”
Historically, Israel has utilized its extensive political networks and affluent donor base to secure steadfast backing from U.S. policymakers.
In 2022, AIPAC established a political action committee (PAC) aimed at influencing U.S. elections, predominantly by financially opposing progressive Democrats critical of Israel during primary contests.
Last year, the organization played a pivotal role in unseating two outspoken congressional critics of Israel, Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush, by channeling tens of millions of dollars to their primary opponents.
I am returning AIPAC donations and refusing to accept any donations or support from them.
The FEC filing I made yesterday reflects that we are returning donations. pic.twitter.com/shBgHmYB1s
– Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) October 16, 2025
Heightened Criticism and Political Repercussions
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has sparked widespread condemnation, with prominent human rights organizations and United Nations investigators labeling Israel’s actions as genocidal.
This backlash has intensified scrutiny of AIPAC’s role in American politics, particularly among Democrats, where support for Israel has plummeted to unprecedented lows.
Further straining relations, AIPAC has endorsed far-right figures such as Congressman Randy Fine, who controversially praised the death of a U.S. citizen at the hands of Israel and advocated for cutting off food supplies to Palestinians in Gaza, alienating many within the Democratic base.
Critics frequently compare AIPAC to the National Rifle Association (NRA), once a bipartisan force but now largely rejected by Democrats due to its polarizing stance.
Usamah Andrabi, spokesperson for the progressive group Justice Democrats, remarked, “AIPAC and its affiliates have shifted from being a reliable establishment ally to a liability for candidates they support.”
He added, “Our efforts to push the Democratic Party to reject AIPAC as a toxic influence are succeeding, diminishing the pro-genocide lobby’s grip on Washington.”
Even some factions within the conservative “America First” movement have voiced criticism of AIPAC’s disproportionate sway.
In August, AIPAC condemned right-wing Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene for her critiques of Israel, accusing her of betraying “American values.” Greene responded defiantly on social media, asserting, “I am as American as they come! I cannot be bought, and I will not back down.”
Looking ahead to next year’s midterms, AIPAC plans to focus on key contests, including the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan, where progressive Abdul El-Sayed faces off against Haley Stevens, a staunch Israel advocate.
In 2022, AIPAC played a significant role in Stevens’ victory over then-Congressman Andy Levin, a member of a prominent Jewish family in Michigan, during a House primary.
While AIPAC is among the most recognized pro-Israel lobbying groups in the U.S., it is one of many, including organizations like NORPAC that also fundraise for political candidates.
Throughout the Gaza conflict, AIPAC has propagated the narrative denying any Israeli-imposed famine in the region and defended the Israeli military’s actions, simultaneously calling for increased U.S. aid to Israel.
The organization maintains that it is entirely American-funded, with no financial ties to Israel, and denies acting under Israeli government directives.
Nonetheless, AIPAC’s positions consistently mirror those of the Israeli administration. Its members frequently engage with Israeli officials and organize complimentary trips for U.S. lawmakers to visit Israel and meet with government representatives.
Democratic Divide and Leadership Responses
AIPAC’s steadfast endorsement of Netanyahu’s government increasingly conflicts with the views of most Democrats.
A recent Pew Research Center poll revealed that only 18% of Democratic respondents hold favorable opinions of the Israeli government.
Despite this, many Democratic leaders continue to maintain ties with AIPAC and accept its endorsements. For instance, in August, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar participated in an AIPAC-sponsored delegation to Israel.
That same month, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark received praise from AIPAC after retracting earlier remarks condemning the “starvation, genocide, and destruction” occurring in Gaza.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, widely regarded as a potential 2028 presidential contender, recently downplayed AIPAC’s relevance during an interview on the Higher Learning podcast.
When questioned about the organization, Newsom responded, “I haven’t given much thought to AIPAC. It’s interesting-you’re the first person in years to bring it up.”
Following Moulton’s announcement, AIPAC issued a sharp rebuttal, accusing him of “forsaking his allies for a headline.”
“After years of seeking our endorsement, his statement clearly signals to AIPAC supporters in Massachusetts and millions of pro-Israel Democrats nationwide that he rejects their backing and will not stand with them,” the group declared via social media.
