The Myth of AIPAC's Power
December 18, 2025 3:21 PM
Israel's critics exaggerate the group's influence
One acronym looms large in the minds of Israel-haters nationwide. AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, is a particular target of their odium.
AIPAC-bashing knows no ideological bounds. "AIPAC is the most successful foreign influence operation in U.S. history," wrote former Democratic National Committee Vice Chairman David Hogg. "NO Democrat should accept money from AIPAC an organization that also helped deliver the presidency to Donald Trump," Bernie Sanders fumed. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene derided the organization as "Israel First." The anti-Zionist left and isolationist right agree that AIPAC is a malignant force in American politics.
Anti-AIPAC mania is no longer confined to the political fringes. In October, Congressman Seth Moulton, long known as a moderate Democrat, announced that he was returning AIPAC donations and abjuring ties with it. "AIPAC has aligned itself too closely with Prime Minister Netanyahu's government," Moulton said in a statement explaining his decision. It was no doubt driven by his foray into the Senate race in Massachusetts, a state where being pro-Israel is increasingly disqualifying for political office. It was also driven by the perception that AIPAC is a powerful force in American politics.
https://www.nationalreview.com/magazine/2026/02/the-myth-of-aipacs-power/