Conversations with Coleman Coleman Hughes and Glenn Greenwald Debate Israel’s Influence on Washington
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Mar 25, 2026 
Glenn Greenwald, journalist and former First Amendment attorney known for co-founding The Intercept, weighs in on Israel’s sway in Washington. They debate the scale of the Israel lobby, U.S. ties and aid, and whether Israel drove moves against Iran. Conversation also covers campus free speech limits, intelligence-sharing controversies, and media alliances and responsibilities.
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Florida Ban And Anti-BDS Contract Certification Example
- Greenwald recounts Ron DeSantis ordering closure of Palestine for Justice groups in Florida state universities as a major free-speech attack.
- He also describes state anti-BDS laws requiring contractors to certify they don't boycott Israel and a fired Texas speech pathologist example.
Pro-Israel Lobby Is Smaller Than Perceived
- Coleman argues the pro-Israel lobby is relatively small in dollars and influence compared with major industry lobbies and often only succeeds at state-level wins.
- He notes dentistry outspent the pro-Israel lobby during Obama years and anti-BDS failed at federal level.
Concentrated Donors Amplify Pro-Israel Influence
- Glenn counters that the truth is in the middle but emphasizes concentrated political influence via wealthy donors like the Adelsons and bipartisan congressional unanimity on Israel votes.
- He cites Miriam Adelson's $100M to Trump and near-unanimous pro-Israel roll-call votes.