The New York Times has become the center of discussion for its portrayal of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a U.S.-based organization targeted by anti-Israel advocates. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted on a bill introduced by outgoing Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., aimed at reducing military and humanitarian aid to Israel. This proposed amendment failed to pass, garnering majority support from Democratic lawmakers with a vote result of 103-98. Massie was the only Republican who voted in favor.
In reporting the vote, the Times highlighted a growing trend among Democrats pledging not to accept donations from AIPAC. Historically, AIPAC has supported both Democrats and Republicans favoring Israel and its alliance with the U.S. Among those rejecting AIPAC’s contributions is Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., who is currently running for Senate. The Times described AIPAC as a “hard-right pro-Israel lobbying group,” which is regarded negatively among many Democrats.
“Mr. Moulton, who is running for Senate, has also said he would no longer accept donations from AIPAC, the hard-right pro-Israel lobbying group that has recently become a toxic brand among Democrats,” the Times reported.
AIPAC, founded in 1954, states that its mission is to “encourage and persuade the U.S. government to enact specific policies that create a strong, enduring, and mutually beneficial relationship with our ally Israel” and supports candidates from both major political parties who back the alliance. Prominent Democrats once joined Republicans in speaking at AIPAC’s annual Policy Conference, which ceased being held during the COVID pandemic. Democrats such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and then former Vice President Joe Biden via video were speakers at the last conference in March 2020. In 2019, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., delivered a speech at the conference during her tenure as House speaker and voted to defund money for Israel this week, while Jeffries opposed the bill.
Critics expressed confusion over the Times’ description of AIPAC as a “hard-right lobbying group.” Commentary Magazine editor John Podhoretz questioned the accuracy, and New York Post columnist Karol Markowicz suggested the characterization was unwarranted. California Post opinion editor Joel Pollak stated, “AIPAC is a bunch of left-center squishes. It’s only ‘hard right’ if you think Israel defending itself is ‘extreme.’” Jewish Insider editor-in-chief Josh Kraushaar remarked on the disconnect in media coverage regarding Israel.
Neither The New York Times nor AIPAC responded to requests for comment. Following the events of October 7, support for Israel has notably decreased among Democrats, while it remains significant among Republicans. AIPAC is frequently criticized by anti-Israel groups, which claim that Israel purchases influence through AIPAC, despite it being an American-run entity of pro-Israel citizens in the U.S.
Criticism of Israel is becoming a touchstone for the progressive faction of the Democratic Party and is expected to play a key role in the 2028 presidential election.
Fox News’ Brian Flood contributed to this report. For more updates, download the Fox News app.
Joseph A. Wulfsohn, a media reporter for Fox News Digital, can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter: @JosephWulfsohn.