US Senate candidate returns AIPAC donations over Gaza war
US Rep. Seth Moulton from Massachusetts, an Iraq War veteran and centrist Democrat challenging Senator Ed Markey in the 2026 primary, announced Thursday he is returning $35,000–$42,000 in donations from the American ‘Israel’ Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and rejecting future support from the influential pro-‘Israel’ lobby.
In a statement posted to X, Moulton cited his disagreement with AIPAC's close alignment with ‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
"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," he wrote.
The congressman expressed cautious optimism about recent Gaza breakthroughs leading to a political resolution where sides "live side by side in peace."
I am returning AIPAC donations and refusing to accept any donations or support from them.
— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) October 16, 2025
The FEC filing I made yesterday reflects that we are returning donations. pic.twitter.com/shBgHmYB1s
AIPAC responded sharply on X, accusing Moulton of "abandoning his friends to grab a headline" and "capitulating to the extremes rather than standing on conviction."
The group, with over 5 million members, emphasized its mission to strengthen the US-‘Israel’ alliance beyond any single government.
Progressives, including Massachusetts Peace Action, welcomed the move but urged Moulton to block future "genocidal aid" to ‘Israel’ and label Gaza actions as genocide.
As the 2026 midterms approach, Moulton's decision could test AIPAC's sway in liberal Massachusetts, adding to growing Democratic pushback against unconditional support for ‘Israel's’ current government amid the ongoing Gaza assault.
