Washington, D.C., October 16, 2025 – Congressman Seth Moulton has announced he is returning donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), highlighting growing criticism of the pro-Israel lobby among US Democrats. Moulton, a centrist Democrat, specifically cited the group’s alignment with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as his reason for distancing himself.

Moulton’s Statement on AIPAC

“In recent years, AIPAC has aligned itself too closely with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government,” Moulton said in a statement. “I’m a friend of Israel, but not of its current government, and AIPAC’s mission today is to back that government. I don’t support that direction. That’s why I’ve decided to return the donations I’ve received, and I will not be accepting their support.”

Moulton is set to challenge progressive Senator Ed Markey in the 2026 Democratic primaries, signaling a potential shift in Democratic attitudes toward the influential lobbying group.

Shifting Views on AIPAC Among Democrats

For decades, AIPAC has exerted significant influence in US politics, leveraging donations and political action committees (PACs) to support pro-Israel candidates and oppose progressive lawmakers critical of Israeli policy. In 2022, AIPAC helped defeat Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush, two vocal critics of Israel, in Democratic primaries.

However, Israel’s war on Gaza and reports of widespread atrocities have prompted growing backlash. According to Usamah Andrabi of the progressive group Justice Democrats, “AIPAC and its affiliates are transforming from a lobby that establishment Democrats could rely on to buy a seat in Washington into a kiss of death for candidates who have their support.”

A recent Pew Research Center poll shows that only 18 percent of Democratic respondents currently hold favorable views of the Israeli government, underscoring AIPAC’s declining influence within the party.

Broader Political Reactions

AIPAC has faced criticism not only from progressives but also from some conservative circles. In August, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene accused the lobby group of serving foreign interests, prompting a sharp rebuke from AIPAC.

Despite these controversies, AIPAC continues to sponsor trips for US lawmakers to Israel and actively participates in US elections, maintaining strong ties with the Israeli government.

Moulton’s Move: Political Implications

Returning AIPAC donations is a symbolic gesture that may resonate with Democratic voters critical of Israeli policies, particularly in light of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. While many party leaders continue to associate with AIPAC, Moulton’s decision highlights internal divisions within the Democratic Party regarding the lobby’s role in US politics.

In response, AIPAC accused Moulton of abandoning supporters to gain attention, stating, “His statement comes after years of him repeatedly asking for our endorsement and is a clear message to AIPAC members in Massachusetts, and millions of pro-Israel Democrats nationwide, that he rejects their support and will not stand with them.”