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Democrats' New AIPAC Obsession Reveals Its Importance
Billionaire Tom Steyer and other progressives claim the pro-Israel lobbying group 'should have no place in our politics'.
Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:55pm
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California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer has criticized the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as a 'dark money organization' that should be barred from participating in electoral politics. This reflects a growing obsession among Democrats with AIPAC, which they accuse of controlling politics through Jewish money. However, AIPAC's lobbying expenditures are relatively modest compared to other foreign entities, and the group is protected by the Constitution in advocating for the US-Israel alliance.
Why it matters
The Democrats' attacks on AIPAC reveal an increasing willingness to tap into ugly conspiracies and fearmongering about Jewish influence in politics. This comes as the party's left wing, including figures like Rep. Ro Khanna, have become more critical of US support for Israel. The AIPAC obsession shows how divisive the issue of Israel has become within the Democratic Party.
The details
Steyer, a major Democratic donor, believes supporters of the US-Israel alliance, including many Jewish Americans, should be barred from participating in electoral politics. However, AIPAC's lobbying expenditures, around $3.3-$3.8 million per year, rank it far below other foreign entities like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and China in terms of political influence. AIPAC is also an American organization funded by American citizens, not a foreign entity.
- In 2024, AIPAC spent around $50 million on all races, while PACs spent a total of $2.68 billion that cycle.
The players
Tom Steyer
A California gubernatorial candidate who has criticized AIPAC as a 'dark money organization' that 'should have no place in our politics'.
AIPAC
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a pro-Israel lobbying group that advocates for the US-Israel alliance. Its annual lobbying expenditures are around $3.3-$3.8 million, ranking it far below other foreign entities in terms of political influence.
What they’re saying
“'is a dark money organization that should have no place in our politics.'”
— Tom Steyer, California gubernatorial candidate
“AIPAC has given Trump zero dollars.”
— David Harsanyi, Senior writer, Washington Examiner
The takeaway
The Democrats' attacks on AIPAC reveal a growing willingness to tap into anti-Semitic tropes and conspiracy theories about Jewish influence in politics. This reflects the party's increasing polarization on the issue of Israel, as its progressive wing becomes more critical of US support for the Jewish state. However, the facts show that AIPAC's political influence is relatively modest compared to other foreign entities, and the group is protected by the Constitution in advocating for the US-Israel alliance.
