While AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) and its affiliated super PAC, United Democracy Project (UDP), have spent significant amounts in the 2024 election cycle, there is no indication that Donald Trump directly received donations from AIPAC this year.
Here's a breakdown of related information:
* AIPAC's Overall Spending: AIPAC and UDP have spent over $100 million in the 2024 election cycle, with some reports indicating combined spending of nearly $126.9 million during the 2023-2024 cycle. This money largely goes towards supporting pro-Israel candidates and opposing those deemed not supportive enough, primarily through independent expenditures like TV ads and mailers, and through donations to political campaigns and party organizations.
* Focus on Congressional Races: AIPAC's spending has significantly impacted Democratic primary races, aiming to unseat progressive opponents of Israel's actions in Gaza. For example, AIPAC's super PAC spent $14.6 million on the Bowman race and $8.6 million on the Bush race, its two highest-spending contests in the past year.
* Pro-Israel Support for Trump: While not directly from AIPAC, pro-Israel interest groups have spent over $230 million benefiting Donald Trump since 2020. Miriam Adelson's Preserve America PAC is a major contributor, having poured over $215 million into U.S. presidential elections to help Trump since 2020 and contributing $120 million to Trump's 2024 campaign through her Preserve America PAC. The Republican Jewish Coalition, an AIPAC ally, has also spent over $14 million supporting Trump since 2020 and $19.7 million during the 2024 elections. Miriam Adelson also gave $100 million to a pro-Trump PAC in October 2024.
* AIPAC's Mechanism: Until 2021, AIPAC did not directly raise funds for political candidates but its members did so through affiliated PACs. Since then, AIPAC has formed its own PAC and a Super PAC. Their PAC contributions are often earmarked donations from individuals using AIPAC as a conduit to candidates and other PACs.