AIPAC Denies Matt Gaetz’s Claim That Donors Scanned QR Badges to Give on the Spot

Overview

• Matt Gaetz said his first AIPAC reception required lawmakers to wear name badges with QR codes that donors could scan to donate immediately, which he called demoralizing.
• AIPAC publicly refuted the account, stating the barcodes are for security checks only and labeling his accusation a lie.
• After AIPAC’s denial, Gaetz doubled down on X, asking whether the group denies donors scanned name tags to obtain donation information.
• Gaetz also repeated a past claim about finding someone in his hotel room during an AIPAC trip to Israel and feeling his concerns were dismissed by congressional leaders.
• The exchange renews debate among Republicans over AIPAC’s role and adds fuel to calls from figures like Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene for the group to register under FARA.