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Instagram has suspended the account of Track AIPAC, a watchdog project monitoring political spending by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and related lobbying groups. The platform cited alleged violations of intellectual property and trademark rules.
The suspension could become permanent unless successfully appealed within 180 days.
Track AIPAC: Transparency in Political Spending
Launched in 2024 by Cory Archibald and Casey Kennedy, Track AIPAC (also called AIPAC Tracker) documents political donations, endorsements, and influence on US elections. The platform publishes Federal Election Commission data, highlights lawmakers receiving the most support, and endorses opponents of candidates heavily funded by AIPAC.
The account had amassed more than 137,000 followers before its suspension. Track AIPAC plans to appeal and continue its work via its website and X (formerly Twitter).
Free Speech and Accountability Concerns
Supporters of Track AIPAC criticized the suspension as a double standard on free speech, arguing that transparency on political influence is being limited while well-funded lobbying groups operate without scrutiny.
The suspension coincides with increasing challenges to AIPAC’s influence in US politics. Since Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza began, some Democratic voters and candidates have shifted away from accepting pro-Israel lobby funding.
AIPAC Funding Faces Growing Scrutiny
Polling indicates a growing portion of the Democratic base opposes candidates accepting AIPAC donations. Some lawmakers, such as Congressman Seth Moulton, have returned contributions or publicly rejected further funding, citing concerns over alignment with Israeli government policies.
As AIPAC’s political spending faces heightened scrutiny, the removal of a watchdog account tracking those donations has intensified debates over transparency and accountability in US elections.
