AIPAC - Bias and Credibility - Media Bias/Fact Check

RIGHT BIAS

These media sources are moderately to strongly biased toward conservative causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports, and omit information that may damage conservative causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Right Bias sources.

Overall, we rate AIPAC as Right Biased based on their strong support for pro-Israel policies and alignment with conservative circles and Mixed for factual reporting due to lack of transparency and the endorsement of some candidates who promote conspiracy theories.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: RIGHT
Factual Reporting: MIXED
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rank: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY

History

AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee), founded in 1959 by Isaiah L. Kenen, originated from the American Zionist Council (AZC). The AZC was a small group that lobbied for U.S. aid to Israel. AZC later became the American Zionist Committee for Public Affairs (AZCPA) and evolved into AIPAC in 1959, with Kenen playing a key role.

AIPAC’s main goal is to get bipartisan support for policies that benefit Israel. It allegedly does this by lobbying, contributing to campaigns, and organizing trips to Israel for members of Congress. The context of AIPAC’s formation includes concerns raised in late 1953 when President Eisenhower’s administration suspected that the Israeli government was funding the AZC, leading to discussions about the AZC registering as the agent of a foreign power. This context influenced the transformation of AZCPA into AIPAC.

Critics have accused AIPAC of lacking transparency and engaging in alleged interference, which contradicts its aim for bipartisan support. Despite the Fulbright Hearings of 1963 emphasizing the need for regulating and disclosing foreign lobbying activities, as seen in AIPAC’s evasion of registration leading to incidents like espionage. The website of AIPAC does not provide information regarding its registration status. Finally, AIPAC also has an affiliated super PAC, the United Democracy Project (UDP), and AIPAC PAC, funded by donors such as the Marcus Foundation and Elliott Investment Management. It is located in Washington, D.C.

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Funded by / Ownership

AIPAC’s funding primarily comes from individual donors, philanthropic foundations, and pro-Israel supporters. According to a report from The Lever in February 2024, AIPAC raised $90 million since October 7, 2023. Some of the top benefactors include individuals such as Daniel Sundheim, Milton Cooper, Tony Ressler, Jonathan Gray, Josh Harris, Lloyd Blankfein, Leonid Radvinsky, the billionaire owner of OnlyFans, and his wife, Katie Chudnovsky, and others from various sectors like finance, real estate, entertainment, and politics.

Under federal law, AIPAC, operating as a 501©(4) organization, can keep the identities of its biggest donors confidential. However, it’s important to note that leaked information can sometimes reveal details that organizations would otherwise prefer to keep private. In AIPAC’s case, while maintaining donor confidentiality, certain leaks or investigations have shed light on their funding sources. Led by President Betsy Berns Korn, its board of directors oversees AIPAC’s operations.

Analysis / Bias

AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, wields influence across both major political parties in the United States. Notable AIPAC-backed politicians include Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana), House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York), and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Massachusetts).

AIPAC’s language tends to be supportive of Israel, emphasizing its security concerns and achievements. For example, the article “Missile Defense Cooperation” presents a positive view of U.S.-Israel cooperation in missile defense. It lacks critical analysis or alternative viewpoints, focusing solely on the benefits of U.S. aid to Israel. While the framing is supportive, the absence of counterarguments or context leads to a one-sided perspective.

AIPAC often targets progressive lawmakers critical of Israeli policies and supports candidates aligned with its agenda. It achieves this by publishing attack ads, such as the one targeting California state Senator Dave Min, who criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Typically, individuals or organizations that receive funding from AIPAC tend to be cautious about opposing the lobbying group. Given the organization’s significant influence in American politics, crossing AIPAC could potentially impact their political careers or access to resources. However, progressive groups have launched a campaign called “Reject AIPAC” to defend Democrats who have criticized Israel’s actions and to pressure lawmakers to reevaluate U.S. military support for Israel. Some, like Rep. Mark Pocan, have openly criticized AIPAC, referring to it as a “cancerous presence on our democracy and politics in general.” His stance reflects concerns about the organization’s influence and alignment with specific policies, particularly its strong support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Although AIPAC claims to be bipartisan, its impact is more significant within conservative circles. AIPAC has historically maintained a strong relationship with conservative Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Finally, following the establishment of its initial AIPAC PAC in March 2022, AIPAC faced scrutiny for its support of the election bids of 37 Republican lawmakers who opposed the certification of Biden’s 2020 U.S. presidential election win. In response to the criticism, AIPAC stated, “This is no moment for the pro-Israel movement to become selective about its friends,” indicating a willingness to support candidates regardless of whether they support the unfounded stolen election claims if it benefits Israel.

In general, AIPAC endorses candidates from both political parties, as long as the candidates support Israel. However, they tend to favor Republican candidates and strongly support the right-leaning Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, indicating a right bias.

Failed Fact Checks

None in the Last 5 years

Overall, we rate AIPAC as Right Biased based on their strong support for pro-Israel policies and alignment with conservative circles and Mixed for factual reporting due to lack of transparency and the endorsement of some candidates who promote conspiracy theories. (M. Huitsing 05/03/2024)

Source: https://www.aipac.org/

Last Updated on May 13, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check