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Code Pink
Code Pink
Code Pink
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Code Pink: Women for Peace (often stylized as CODEPINK) is a pacifist, anti-war organization registered in the United States as a 501(c)(3) organization. It focuses on issues such as drone strikes, the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, Palestinian statehood, the Iran nuclear deal, human rights in Saudi Arabia, and peace on the Korean Peninsula. The organization has regional offices in Los Angeles, California, and Washington, D.C., and several chapters in the U.S. and abroad.[4][5]

Key Information

With members wearing the group's signature pink color,[6] Code Pink has conducted marches, protests, and other activist action in order to promote its goals. The organization describes itself as female-initiated,[7] but it encourages men to participate in its activities.[8] The organization's political positions, especially those regarding China and Venezuela, and funding have created controversy and drawn congressional scrutiny.[9][10][11][12]

History

[edit]
Code Pink activists protest Democratic senators who supported the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen, December 2017.

Code Pink was founded on November 17, 2002, by a group of American anti-war activists, including Jodie Evans and Medea Benjamin, in the lead-up to the 2003 US invasion of Iraq (which the organization opposed).[13][14][15] The group's name is a play on the United States Department of Homeland Security's color-coded alert system in which, for example, Code Orange and Code Red signify the highest levels of danger.[16] Code Pink's founding statement calls for[17]: 93 

Women around the world to rise up and oppose the war in Iraq. We call on mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and daughters, on workers, students, teachers, healers, artists, writers, singers, poets and every ordinary outraged woman willing to be outrageous for peace. Women have been the guardians of life – not because we are better or purer or more innately nurturing than men, but because the men have busied themselves making war.

In February 2003, shortly before the invasion of Iraq, Code Pink organized its first trip to the country; it subsequently led five delegations there. These delegations included parents of American soldiers killed in combat in Iraq, as well as parents of active soldiers. Additionally, they brought six Iraqi women on a tour of the United States, and published a report about how the U.S. occupation affected the status of Iraqi women.[18]

On its website, Code Pink lists allegations of U.S. war crimes, and states that thousands of civilians were killed in Fallujah in 2004 due to the actions of the U.S. military.[19] Along with other groups, they gave over $600,000-worth of humanitarian aid to refugees of Fallujah in 2004.[20] In 2014, Code Pink was awarded the US Peace Prize by the US Peace Memorial Foundation "in recognition of inspirational anti-war leadership and creative grassroots activism".[21][22]

Political positions and activism

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United States

[edit]

The group opposed the United States invasion of Iraq.[17]: 93  In early 2003, members of Code Pink protested what they called the "naked aggression" of U.S. President George W. Bush by spelling out the word "PEACE" using their naked bodies at demonstrations in California and New York.[17]: 89  Code Pink participated in vigils at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., to shed light on the plight of injured soldiers.[23] Code Pink said that the purpose of the vigils was to highlight the lack of care for veterans and that the vigils have helped achieve improvements in that care.[23][24]

In the summer of 2009, Code Pink began their "Ground the Drones" campaign.[25] This campaign was a response to the Obama administration's continued and increased use of drones in the war on terror, specifically in regions surrounding Pakistan and Afghanistan. Code Pink said that many of the drone strikes intended to target terrorist leaders and strongholds often miss their targets, causing the unnecessary deaths of innocent civilians.[26]

"Ground the Drones" was fashioned as a form of non-violent, civil disobedience, similar to protests earlier that spring, by groups such as Voices for Creative Non Violence.[25] Code Pink targeted Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada, claiming it was the "epicenter" for controlling drone activity.[26] The goal of the protest was "halting unmanned aircraft strikes controlled via satellite links from Creech and other bases".[25] The group continued protesting at Creech AFB through November and December 2009. Code Pink returned to Creech AFB in October 2011, along with other protest groups, to mark the 10th anniversary of the war in Afghanistan. Protesters dubbed it the "largest anti-war demonstration ever at Creech Air Force Base.[27] Code Pink members attended a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in 2015 and called for Henry Kissinger's arrest for war crimes. John McCain, who was chairing the hearing, called for the Sergeant at Arms and the Capital Hill Police to escort Code Pink out of the building and called after them "Get out of here you lowlife scum!"[28][29]

Code Pink member Desiree Fairooz was arrested for laughing after a description of Senator Jeff Sessions by Alabama U.S. Senator Richard Shelby of the nominee, that his history "treating all Americans equally under the law is clear and well-documented", during the January 2017 confirmation hearing as United States Attorney General. After she had been convicted at trial, that verdict was reversed by the chief District Court Judge Robert Morin. The judge said Fairooz should not have been tried for laughing, only for speaking out as she was being removed, and called a mistrial. Instead of dismissing the case, Morin set her retrial for September.[30] Fairooz faced up to a year in prison and $2,000 in fines for disruptive and disorderly conduct and obstructing and impeding passage on US Capitol grounds.[31] On November 6, 2017, District of Columbia U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu filed a notice of nolle prosequi in the case against Desiree Fairooz.[32] Upon the decision, Code Pink released a statement calling the three trials a waste of time and tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars, adding, "These sentences are designed to discourage dissent and prevent activists from engaging in the daily protests that are taking place during a tumultuous time."[33]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Code Pink campaigned in favor of the United States suspending its imposition of sanctions in order to alleviate the pandemic's impact on the populations of sanctioned countries.[34] On World Press Freedom Day 2023, members of Code Pink interrupted a talk between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Washington Post columnist David Ignatius to call for the release of Julian Assange.[35]

Venezuela

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During the 2019 Venezuelan presidential crisis, the U.S. broke relations with the Nicolás Maduro administration and recognized Juan Guaidó as the acting president of Venezuela. On 10 April 2019, after the Maduro administration retired its diplomats from the Venezuelan embassy in Washington, US activists from Code Pink received keycards from the diplomats, moved into the building, and secured all entrances with chains and locks as Carlos Vecchio, Guaidó's ambassador appointed to the US, tried to gain access to the building. The US government considered the embassy as property of Guaidó's interim government. Clashes in May 2019 between US activists and pro-Guaidó Venezuelan demonstrators resulted in arrests on both sides.[36] US authorities issued an eviction notice on the group on May 14.[37] The last four activists were removed from the embassy by agents from the US State Department's Diplomatic Security Service and the US Secret Service on May 16.[38][better source needed]

At the end of July 2019, some members of Code Pink that occupied the embassy visited Venezuela during the Foro de São Paulo. Maduro posed for pictures with the group and rewarded them with gifts, including a book on Simón Bolívar and a replica of Bolivar's sword.[39] In October 2022 Code Pink collected signatures for a petition asking the U.S. Department of Justice to drop the charges against Colombian businessman Alex Saab. Saab was extradited to the U.S. from Cape Verde in 2020, charged by the U.S. Department of Justice with money laundering and pushing over $350 million through U.S. accounts. Code Pink described Saab as a political prisoner, who worked as a diplomat as part of Venezuela's Gran Misión Vivienda and CLAP food box distribution network.[40][41] The organization has been criticized for its support of the Venezuelan government.[10][11]

Israel and Palestine

[edit]

Code Pink has organized more than seven delegations to Gaza, some of them at the invitation of the United Nations.[citation needed] Code Pink was criticized by Joshua Block, president and CEO of the Israel Project, for arranging a peace delegation to Iran in January 2019.[42]

Prior to the Gaza Freedom March, Code Pink endorsed the "Cairo Declaration to End Israeli Apartheid", which calls for comprehensive boycott of Israel.[43][better source needed] During the march, Code Pink co-founder Medea Benjamin coordinated the organization's stay with Hamas. Members resided in the Commodore, a Hamas-owned hotel in Gaza City. Hamas security officials accompanied activists as they visited Palestinian homes and Gaza-based NGOs.[44] Prior to the march, Benjamin said the Hamas government had "pledged to ensure our safety".[45] However, Code Pink leaders claimed Hamas had hijacked the initiative from the onset after imposing prohibitions on the organization's movements around Gaza. Amira Hass referred to the event as "an opportunity for Hamas cabinet ministers to get decent media coverage in the company of Western demonstrators".[44]

Code Pink helped to organize an International Women's Day Delegation to Gaza in March 2014. Upon arrival at the Cairo airport on March 3, 2014, Benjamin was detained and assaulted by Egyptian authorities. She was deported to Turkey after the authorities had dislocated her shoulder.[46] Other members of the international delegation, including American, French, Belgian, and British citizens, who arrived the next day were also deported. Some members made it into Cairo, although no one from the delegation made it to Gaza.[citation needed] Code Pink opposed Israel's operation in Gaza following the October 7 attacks. It repeatedly disrupted Secretary of State Antony Blinken's October 31, 2023 testimony to a Senate hearing on Israel aid from the United States, with protesters calling for a ceasefire during the hearing. Several peace activists were arrested, including David Barrows and retired colonel and diplomat, Ann Wright.[47]

Syria

[edit]

In 2013 about ten activists of Code Pink demonstrated in U.S. Congress against military attacks in retaliation for the Syrian government's use of chemical weapons against its own people.[48][49] A year later, Code Pink activists demonstrated in Capitol Hill against the American intervention in Syria and Iraq to stop ISIS.[50]

Iran

[edit]

In March 2019, while visiting Iran, Code Pink representatives voiced support at a press conference held by Fars News for Iran's right to use missile defense systems, and met with Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.[51]

Iraq

[edit]

Following the January 2020 assassination of Qasem Soleimani, leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force, and of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, leader of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces by a US drone attack at Baghdad airport,[52] Code Pink together with a number of other civil society groups called for a "national day of action" in 30 large U.S. cities to request the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.[53][54] Thousands marched in over 80 cities across the country to protest against a possible war against Iran.[55][56]

Russian invasion of Ukraine

[edit]

In 2022, at protests in Oakland and San Francisco, Code Pink criticized the United States for sending arms to Ukraine after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[57][58] In February 2023, Code Pink activists confronted United States President Joe Biden in a Washington, D.C. restaurant, "call[ing] for Biden to seek peace and an end to the war rather than escalation before being asked to leave by the establishment's staff".[59] During the Washington, D.C. protest, Code Pink also called for Cuba to be removed from the United States state sponsors of terrorism list.[59]

Writing in The Nation, Ukrainian Solidarity Network Co-founder Bill Fletcher Jr. describes Code Pink's position as "ambivalent" stating that the organization has criticized the Russian invasion but not supported Ukrainian resistance.[60] In October 2023, Steven Strauss of the Freedom Socialist Party alleged that he and another supporter were removed from a Washington, D.C., event hosted by Code Pink after the pair handed out flyers supporting Ukraine's right to defend itself.[61]

On October 4, 2023, 11 protestors from Code Pink occupied the Dirksen Senate Office Building office of Senator Bernie Sanders.[62] The protestors called for Ukrainian, Russian, and U.S. leadership to negotiate an end to the war.[62] Code Pink's press release quoted a protestor's statement, "Yes, Bernie should condemn the Russian invasion, but he should also be calling for a negotiated end to this brutal war".[62] Capitol police arrested the 11 protestors based on a provision of the District of Columbia Code that prohibits crowding, obstructing or incommoding.[62] Republican U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene praised the protesters, writing, "We don't agree on most things, but we do agree Congress should STOP fueling the war in Ukraine!"[63]

China

[edit]

Jodie Evans was once critical of China's authoritarian government, making statements like: "We demand China stop brutal repression of their women's human rights defenders".[12] In 2017, Evans married Neville Roy Singham. Since 2017, 25% of Code Pink's funding has come from groups connected to Singham. In August 2023, The New York Times wrote that Evans is now a strong supporter of China and regards it as a defender of the oppressed and a model for economic growth without slavery or war.[12]: 1 

In 2020, Code Pink started its "China Is Not Our Enemy" campaign.[9][15] In February 2023, two Code Pink protesters attempted to disrupt the inaugural hearing of the U.S. House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, by holding up a sign stating, "China is not our enemy", and shouting.[64] According to Code Pink's statement on the protest, "Our common enemy is the climate crisis – we need cooperation, not competition, to address climate change and the challenges we face together as humanity."[64] In June 2023, Code Pink activists visited the offices of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party where, according to an aide of House member Seth Moulton, they denied accusations of forced labor in Xinjiang and suggested Moulton visit Xinjiang.[65]

In a February 2023 Washington Examiner editorial, Michael Rubin criticized Code Pink for what he called denials of the Uyghur genocide and thereby "amplify[ing] Chinese government propaganda".[66] Following the August 2023 New York Times report, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio asked the U.S. Department of Justice to open an investigation into Code Pink and other entities related to Singham for potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).[67] In November 2023, the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources announced an investigation into Code Pink.[68]

Funding

[edit]

Since 2017, more than $1.4 million of Code Pink's donations (about 25% of their funding) have come from two groups connected to Neville Roy Singham, the husband of Code Pink's co-founder Jodie Evans.[12]

Analysis

[edit]

In 2007 academic Rachel V. Kutz-Flamenbaum described Code Pink as a group whose protest actions "imply that women's traditional roles as mothers and caregivers give women the moral authority and moral obligation to fight against violence".[17]: 90  According to Kutz-Flamenbaum, Code Pink draws attention to the differential impact of war on women, and challenges "gender norms by explicitly and implicitly critiquing the relationship between militarism and patriarchy".[17]: 90  According to historian Samuel Moyn, Code Pink lost significant support after the election of Barack Obama, since it continued to oppose U.S. military interventions regardless of the administration in power.[69] Political scientist Rachel V. Kutz-Flamenbaum has argued that the group’s reliance on gendered symbolism—positioning women as moral guardians—has attracted both praise and criticism.[70]

Notable members

[edit]
  • Medea Benjamin, co-founder, political activist, and author of books on U.S. foreign policy.[71]
  • Jodie Evans, co-founder, longtime activist, and fundraiser with prior experience in Democratic Party politics.[72]
  • Ann Wright, retired U.S. Army colonel and former diplomat, active in Code Pink's anti-war campaigns.[73]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Code Pink

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
CODEPINK: Women for Peace is a women-led activist organization focused on opposing U.S. wars, , and foreign interventions through nonviolent and advocacy for reallocating military expenditures to domestic social needs. Founded on November 17, 2002, by , , Diane Wilson, , and around 100 other women, the group launched with a four-month vigil outside the to protest the impending U.S. invasion of , which drew thousands of participants by early 2003. Distinguished by its signature pink clothing and theatrical protest tactics, CODEPINK has conducted high-profile disruptions of congressional hearings, confronted policymakers, and campaigned against U.S. arms transfers and sanctions on nations like and , while supporting Palestinian rights and opposing aid to and . The organization has achieved visibility through sustained street actions and media attention but encountered controversies, including allegations of selective advocacy—such as defending groups like the Houthis despite their documented terrorism and abuses—and receiving significant funding from , a U.S. billionaire tied to networks, reportedly comprising a major share of its resources since 2017.

History

Founding and Initial Campaigns

Code Pink was founded on November 17, 2002, by activists Medea Benjamin, Jodie Evans, Diane Wilson, Starhawk, and approximately 100 other women as a grassroots women's initiative to oppose the impending U.S. invasion of Iraq. The group's name derived from a play on the U.S. government's color-coded alert system and the phrase "code red" associated with menstruation, symbolizing women's purported intuitive opposition to war while evoking nurturing imagery through the color pink. Founders Benjamin and Evans, experienced in prior human rights and anti-globalization activism through organizations like Global Exchange, aimed to mobilize women against what they described as patriarchal warmongering by the Bush administration. The inaugural action was a vigil outside the , intended to last four months leading up to the anticipated war, during which participants dressed in pink clothing and accessories to draw visual attention and contrast with militaristic rhetoric. This was followed by a February march to the , where the group presented a statement against the war to Secretary-General , emphasizing women's roles in peacemaking. Early efforts emphasized nonviolent , including die-ins and theatrical protests, to highlight civilian casualties and challenge congressional support for military funding. In March 2003, coinciding with on March 8, Code Pink organized a march in , involving around 10,000 women, men, and children down 16th Street to the Iraq War's onset, with participants chanting against U.S. intervention. The subsequent day's rally at the , coordinated by Code Pink, led to the arrest of 27 individuals, including author , for breaching event restrictions during demonstrations against the war. These initial campaigns, concentrated in 2002–2003, focused on disrupting public discourse around the Iraq authorization, targeting sites like and media outlets, and garnered media coverage for their distinctive pink branding amid broader anti-war mobilizations. By 2004, the group had expanded to events, where founders leveraged visibility tactics like banners and disruptions to amplify opposition to ongoing U.S. military operations.

Expansion and Institutionalization

Following the initial four-month vigil outside the from November 17, 2002, to March 8, 2003, which drew over 10,000 participants on its final day, Code Pink expanded rapidly by inspiring the formation of local chapters across the and developing a network of autonomous organizers. These chapters enabled coordinated actions, such as vigils, marches, and rallies in cities including those in , contributing to a decentralized yet interconnected structure that amplified the group's reach beyond . The organization institutionalized its operations by securing 501(c)(3) nonprofit status under the name Codepink Women for Peace, with EIN 26-2823386, allowing for tax-deductible contributions and formal financial reporting. This status supported growth through donor funding, including significant contributions from individuals like , facilitating sustained activities such as delegations to conflict zones like starting in 2003 and later to , , and . By the mid-2000s, Code Pink had evolved into a women-led entity with a central staff coordinating national campaigns, alongside online supporter networks and inclusive participation from non-binary individuals, men, and gender-nonconforming people, while maintaining a commitment to nonviolent principles prohibiting or weapons. This framework enabled persistent disruptions, including congressional confrontations and street protests, solidifying its presence as a movement with institutional endurance.

Recent Activities and Shifts

In the wake of the , 2023, attacks on and the ensuing Gaza conflict, Code Pink escalated its protests against U.S. military aid to , framing such support as enabling "" and . The group co-organized the National March on Washington: Free Palestine in November 2023, drawing thousands to demand an end to U.S. arms shipments and a . This marked a surge in campus and congressional disruptions, with activists occupying offices and interrupting speeches by lawmakers perceived as pro-. Throughout 2024 and into 2025, Code Pink continued targeting politicians, including a February 7, 2024, confrontation with Senator in over his stance, which drew public rebukes from figures like . In July 2025, activists protested U.S. lawmakers accused of complicity in Gaza's , emphasizing tactics amid ongoing aid restrictions. The organization also pursued international engagements, such as a delegation to in early 2024 to advocate against U.S. sanctions and , aligning with its pattern of direct with adversarial regimes. Domestically, members participated in hunger strikes, like a 31-day action in 2024 calling for an end to the Gaza siege. Code Pink's activities extended beyond the Middle East, including an August 12, 2025, rally in with allies demanding cessation of U.S.- military exercises on Korea's . Planned congressional actions for November 4-6, 2025, focus on demilitarization and anti-war resolutions. No fundamental ideological shifts have occurred; the group has sustained its anti-imperialist framework, increasingly intersecting with broader pro-Palestinian networks while facing accusations of one-sided advocacy that overlooks actions or Iranian influence in regional conflicts.

Leadership and Organizational Structure

Key Founders and Leaders

Code Pink, formally known as CODEPINK: Women for Peace, was founded on November 17, 2002, by , , and Gael Murphy as a women-led anti-war initiative opposing the impending U.S. invasion of . , a prominent activist and co-founder of the organization Global Exchange in 1988, has served as a leading figure in Code Pink, authoring books on U.S. and frequently representing the group in congressional testimonies and international delegations. , a documentary filmmaker and philanthropist, co-founded the group and has remained active on its , contributing to its media and fundraising efforts. Gael Murphy, the third co-founder, was involved from the group's early years through 2009, focusing on organizing protests and delegations to conflict zones such as and Gaza; her role diminished after this period, though she is still acknowledged as a foundational member. These founders established Code Pink's decentralized structure, emphasizing over hierarchical leadership, which has allowed it to sustain operations through volunteer networks rather than a formal executive team. As of 2025, and continue to exert significant influence, with Benjamin frequently leading public actions and Evans supporting strategic direction via the board. Other key figures include , a retired U.S. and former who joined early and serves on the board, providing expertise on military and diplomatic issues. The organization's leadership remains fluid, with additional board members like Vivien Lesnik Weisman and Danaka Katovich handling operations, but the co-founders' vision continues to define its anti-interventionist campaigns.

Operational Framework and Membership

Code Pink operates as a 501(c)(3) under U.S. tax-exempt status, with EIN 26-2823386, enabling tax-deductible donations to fund its activities. As a women-initiated entity, it emphasizes decentralized operations through a network of local chapters and online supporters, allowing autonomous local groups to initiate campaigns aligned with national priorities such as anti-war protests and policy advocacy. Local chapters coordinate loosely with a national office, which provides resources like logos, media guides, and strategic guidance, but chapters retain independence in endorsing or organizing events without central approval. This structure hybridizes elements of a with functions, facilitating both street-level actions and targeted delegations to international hotspots. Membership is informal and open to women, men, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming individuals without formal dues or vetting processes, relying instead on volunteer participation, donations, and self-identification as supporters. At its peak during the Iraq War era around 2006, Code Pink claimed over 250 chapters worldwide and hundreds of active local groups in the U.S., though numbers declined sharply post-2013 as anti-war momentum waned, leaving a smaller, less quantified network today focused on key urban areas. Individuals join by contacting local organizers or submitting forms via the national website to start or affiliate with chapters, emphasizing commitment to nonviolent principles and collective goals over hierarchical membership rolls. Operational decisions prioritize , clear messaging, and collaborative communication, with local autonomy in tactics like satirical protests, vigils, and disruptions, while national campaigns provide unified themes such as opposing military spending. derives primarily from individual contributions and grants, though donor transparency has drawn scrutiny, with reports indicating opaque sources including potential ties to foreign-linked entities like those associated with , prompting congressional concerns over influence without confirmed violations of nonprofit rules. Activities are sustained through volunteer-driven events, online mobilization, and occasional paid staff for coordination, reflecting a low-overhead model suited to episodic rather than sustained institutional .

Ideology and Principles

Stated Core Beliefs

Code Pink describes itself as a feminist organization dedicated to ending U.S. warfare and , while supporting and initiatives globally. The group advocates redirecting military expenditures toward domestic priorities such as universal healthcare (explicitly including abortion rights), income-independent education access, and recognition of as a human right. These positions reflect a broader commitment to reallocating resources from to "life-affirming programs" like green jobs and social welfare. Central to its is opposition to U.S.-led wars, sanctions, and interventions, framed as drivers of and violence that undermine global stability. Code Pink promotes as a foundational , prohibiting verbal or physical aggression, property destruction, or weapons in its actions, while emphasizing respect for all participants and resolving internal conflicts peacefully. It also stresses clear, attainable goals in protests, such as amplifying women's voices through creative demonstrations and fostering local peace economies, alongside divesting from war profiteers. In its Feminist Foreign Policy framework, Code Pink articulates values rooted in equality, peace, justice, , and . The organization seeks to eradicate through "compassionate, anti-capitalist economies," prioritize over solutions, and advance racial equity, , and ecological protection in . It critiques U.S. influence for perpetuating violence and calls for building networks, educational campaigns, and legislative support to elevate feminist anti-imperialist perspectives. Diversity and tolerance are upheld internally, rejecting , , homophobia, and other discriminations in favor of inclusive feminist principles.

Evolution and Internal Consistency

Founded in November 2002 as a women's anti-war to oppose the U.S. invasion of , Code Pink initially emphasized nonviolent protests against U.S. aggression in the , drawing on principles to highlight the human costs of war, including impacts on women and children. Its early campaigns focused on halting the , with actions such as a four-month ending in a 2003 protest involving over 10,000 participants and 25 arrests. This period established a core ideology of grassroots intertwined with , rejecting violence, property damage, and weapons in favor of and redirecting spending to domestic needs like healthcare and education. Over the subsequent two decades, Code Pink's focus broadened beyond to encompass opposition to U.S. policies including drone strikes under the Obama administration, the withdrawal delays, at Guantanamo Bay, and on nations such as , , and , framing these as extensions of that exacerbate global suffering. By the , the organization incorporated campaigns against arms sales and for from the "war machine," while increasingly prioritizing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including support for boycotts and criticism of U.S. to following escalations in Gaza. This evolution reflects a shift from reactive anti-invasion protests to proactive for a " economy," though it has aligned more closely with critiques of Western hegemony, as seen in co-founder ' 2019 launch of the " Is Not Our Enemy" initiative to counter U.S.- tensions. Despite a stated commitment to universal and , Code Pink's application of these principles has drawn scrutiny for selectivity, particularly in addressing aggressions by non-U.S. actors. On Russia's 2022 invasion of , the group prioritized calls for immediate negotiations and an end to U.S. weapons shipments, attributing prolonged conflict partly to expansion and American involvement, with minimal direct condemnation of Russian territorial annexations or war crimes. Similarly, its opposition to sanctions on emphasizes hardships for civilians but has included delegations to and defenses of the regime's sovereignty, while offering limited with Iranian women's protests against mandatory laws or regime suppression, actions that contradict the organization's feminist roots. Critics further highlight tensions with Code Pink's human rights advocacy, noting its role in downplaying China's mass internment of Uyghur —estimated at over one million detainees involving forced labor and sterilizations—as mere "" or denial, aligning with narratives that prioritize anti-U.S. sentiment over of atrocities. This pattern suggests an ideological consistency in targeting U.S.-led interventions but inconsistency in equally challenging authoritarian expansions or abuses by adversaries like , , or , potentially undermining claims of impartial .

Activism and Campaigns

Domestic Protests and Disruptions

Code Pink's domestic activities have centered on non-violent protests and theatrical disruptions targeting U.S. government officials and policies perceived as militaristic. From its inception in November 2002, the group organized a four-month daily outside the to oppose the U.S. invasion of , drawing participants in pink attire to symbolize urgency and in anti-war . This early campaign expanded into broader demonstrations, including a July 4, 2006, at the criticizing Independence Day celebrations amid ongoing wars. Activists maintained a presence at congressional offices, such as disruptions at Senator Bill Nelson's office, employing tactics like sit-ins and visual symbolism to highlight opposition to military funding. A hallmark of Code Pink's strategy involves infiltrating public hearings to interrupt proceedings, often resulting in removals or arrests but amplifying messages through media coverage. On October 24, 2007, a protester confronted during a congressional hearing, waving hands painted red to evoke war casualties while shouting accusations of criminality. Similar interruptions occurred at John Brennan's February 7, 2013, CIA confirmation hearing, where activists repeatedly shouted condemnations of drone strikes as he delivered his opening statement. In January 2015, members attempted a symbolic "" of former during his testimony, presenting a warrant citing alleged war crimes in , , , and , prompting to denounce them as "low-life scum" and call for their ejection. These tactics persisted into the 2010s and 2020s, adapting to new conflicts. A Code Pink activist, Desiree Fairooz, was arrested in 2017 for laughing during Senator Jeff Sessions' confirmation hearing, interpreting the sound as disruptive; she faced a retrial after an initial conviction. More recently, disruptions focused on U.S. support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict, including interruptions of Secretary of State Antony Blinken's October 31, 2023, Senate testimony demanding a ceasefire. On March 11, 2024, activists halted a Senate hearing on "Global Threats" to decry Israel's actions in Gaza as the paramount risk, leading to arrests. In 2025, similar outbursts occurred during a March Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats. On September 9, 2025, Code Pink activists disrupted President Donald Trump's dinner at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in Washington, D.C., accompanied by Vice President JD Vance and other officials; protesters who secured a table based on rumors of the visit chanted "Free D.C., Free Palestine, Trump is the Hitler of our time" to protest U.S. foreign policy, Gaza, and local issues, drawing viral videos and media scrutiny over security lapses. In early 2026, allegations emerged that Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene leaked the location—claims denied by Greene and Code Pink—prompting a Secret Service review. Such actions, while drawing criticism for obstructing democratic processes, have sustained Code Pink's visibility in domestic anti-interventionist circles.

International Engagements and Delegations

Code Pink has conducted numerous delegations to countries targeted by or opposed to U.S. , framing these trips as "peace diplomacy from below" to foster direct engagement and challenge official U.S. positions. These efforts began early in the organization's history, with a delegation to in February 2003, weeks before the U.S.-led invasion, where participants assessed local views on impending conflict and met with weapons inspectors who reported no evidence of weapons of mass destruction. In the Israel-Palestine context, Code Pink organized a 62-member that entered Gaza on March 7, 2009, shortly after the 2008-2009 conflict, to document humanitarian conditions and participate in events under the invitation of UNRWA's 'Equality in Action' program. Nine members, including author , chose to remain in Gaza to sustain solidarity efforts against the blockade. Delegations to have been recurrent, including a 28-person group in March 2019 that met Foreign Minister for 90 minutes to discuss sanctions and nuclear negotiations, followed by FBI questioning of participants upon U.S. return. In June 2024, co-founder joined a trip where activists complied with Iranian protocols, held press events, and criticized Israeli influence on U.S. policy during meetings with officials. Other engagements include trips to and to build ties amid U.S. interventions, a 2012 visit to region to meet drone strike victims' families, and recent delegations to in January 2025 to examine U.S. impacts, alongside in November 2024 to promote dialogue over confrontation. Planned 2025 travels encompass , , and for similar firsthand assessments. Critics, including groups monitoring Iranian influence, argue such visits often amplify regime narratives while overlooking internal dissent.

Positions on Specific Conflicts

Iraq and Middle East Interventions

Code Pink initiated its activism with a four-month vigil outside the starting on November 17, 2002, aimed at preventing the U.S. invasion of . The group, founded by , , and others, framed its opposition around women's roles in opposing war, conducting daily protests that drew hundreds of participants. In the lead-up to the March 2003 , Code Pink organized a march in Washington, D.C., on , 2003——involving approximately 10,000 women, accompanied by about 1,000 men and children, marching down 16th Street to protest military action. Post-invasion, the organization disrupted congressional hearings on policy, including testimonies before committees discussing troop levels and funding, as documented in sessions marking the 's fifth in 2008. Code Pink continued annual commemorations, such as a rally in Washington, D.C., on March 19, 2011, protesting the eighth of the and calling for an end to U.S. military presence. Extending opposition to other U.S. interventions in the , Code Pink condemned President Barack Obama's September 2014 plan to expand airstrikes in and initiate bombings in against , with co-founder labeling it "insanity" and arguing it would exacerbate regional instability. The group protested the deployment of 250 additional U.S. troops to in 2015, viewing it as an escalation of ground involvement beyond advisory roles. In , Code Pink criticized U.S. logistical and intelligence support for the Saudi-led coalition's 2015 intervention, organizing disruptions of hearings in December 2017 against senators endorsing arms sales to amid the blockade-induced . Code Pink conducted delegations to , such as in 2016, to document civilian impacts and advocate against further U.S. military actions, asserting that interventions hindered Syrian . The organization consistently argued that U.S. policies in , , and prioritized resource control over humanitarian concerns, though critics from outlets like have questioned the selectivity of such stances amid alliances with non-Western actors.

Iran and Sanctions Opposition

Code Pink has opposed U.S. sanctions on as part of its broader anti-war platform, contending that these measures inflict severe economic hardship on ordinary Iranians while failing to deter the Iranian government's nuclear program or proxy activities in the region. The organization maintains that sanctions, intensified after the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 (JCPOA) on May 8, 2018, under President , have restricted access to essential goods, including medicines, thereby prioritizing geopolitical confrontation over humanitarian concerns. In advocacy efforts, Code Pink endorsed the JCPOA, which limited Iran's enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief, and lobbied U.S. senators for its approval in while condemning subsequent "maximum pressure" policies that reimposed penalties on Iran's oil exports, banking sector, and trade. The group organized a national summit on December 1, 2018, in , to rally against escalating sanctions amid Iran's retaliatory breaches of JCPOA limits, such as exceeding the 3.67% enrichment by mid-2019. Further campaigns included petitions and disruptions of congressional hearings, framing sanctions as preludes to military conflict rather than tools for negotiation. Code Pink facilitated multiple delegations to Iran to highlight sanctions' effects, including a February 2019 trip with 28 activists who met Foreign Minister , the JCPOA's chief Iranian negotiator, to urge renewed U.S. . Participants reported direct impacts, such as shortages affecting cancer treatments, though Iranian amplified these accounts without independent verification of regime culpability in . During the in 2020, the organization called for temporary sanctions suspensions to enable , citing Iran's 82,000 reported cases by April 2020 as evidence of exacerbated vulnerability, while critics noted the regime's diversion of funds to military proxies like amid domestic shortages. Post-2021, under President , Code Pink pressed for JCPOA revival and sanctions relief in letters to administration officials, arguing that persistent penalties—totaling over 1,500 designations by the U.S. since 2018—undermine indirect talks in and risk broader escalation, as seen in Iran's 60% enrichment advances by 2022. The group developed rapid-response toolkits for local protests against perceived U.S. warmongering, including opposition to potential strikes following Iran's April 2024 drone and missile barrage on , which involved over 300 projectiles in retaliation for an Israeli strike on Iran's consulate. These efforts align with Code Pink's view that unilateral sanctions violate international norms, though detractors, including U.S. policymakers, assert they target regime elites and illicit networks rather than civilians exclusively.

Israel-Palestine Conflict

Code Pink has positioned itself as a staunch for the cause in the Israel-Palestine conflict, framing Israeli control over Palestinian territories as an illegal occupation and apartheid system. The organization endorses the (BDS) movement, providing activists with a toolkit to target companies perceived as complicit in Israeli policies, including campaigns against and for listings in settlements and praise for 2021 decision to cease operations in Israeli settlements. Code Pink explicitly supports the "right to resist" the occupation, aligning its efforts with -led demands for liberation while prioritizing education and mobilization against U.S. complicity through military aid to . Early activism included multiple delegations to Gaza led by co-founder following Israel's 2008-2009 military operation, as well as co-organizing the Gaza Freedom March in late , which aimed to challenge the blockade by assembling over 1,300 international participants to march into Gaza from , though Egyptian authorities blocked entry. In response to the October 7, 2023, attacks on —which killed approximately 1,200 people—Code Pink launched a attributing Palestinian "resistance" to decades of occupation, without condemning the attacks themselves, and disrupted a U.S. hearing on aid to , resulting in 12 arrests. The group co-organized a National March on Washington in November 2023 demanding an end to the Gaza siege and U.S. funding, partnering with organizations like . Subsequent actions focused on halting U.S. support amid the ensuing Israel-Hamas war, including interruptions of congressional hearings, such as a March 2023 disruption of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a July 2024 storming of the U.S. Capitol cafeteria to protest the Gaza blockade. Code Pink has called Israel's Gaza operations "genocide," advocated for immediate ceasefires, and in April 2024 announced plans for an aid ship to Gaza carrying international volunteers, echoing prior efforts. Local protests continued into 2025, such as a September noise demonstration outside the Israeli Consulate in decrying U.S.-backed actions in and an August rally in Santa Monica for ending military aid. Co-founder was arrested in 2024 for protesting at against the war. These efforts often emphasize BDS extensions, like 2024 calls to boycott over Israeli products.

Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Code Pink issued a statement condemning Russia's full-scale of on February 24, 2022, describing it as a violation that displaced over a million civilians amid attacks and explosive weapons. The group simultaneously attributed contributing factors to 's eastward expansion since the and what it termed aggressive Western policies, arguing these provoked the crisis rather than addressing Russia's security concerns through diplomacy. In response, Code Pink demanded Russian troop withdrawal, an immediate , and renewed negotiations, while rejecting further enlargement and U.S. weapons shipments to , which it viewed as prolonging the conflict at the cost of human lives and resources. The organization framed its advocacy within a broader anti-militarism stance, criticizing U.S. sanctions on for harming civilians and calling for the redirection of aid from military support to humanitarian relief for refugees. Code Pink organized protests targeting U.S. policy, including disruptions in 12 congressional offices on October 4, 2023, as part of the "Peace in Ukraine Coalition," where activists demanded prioritize diplomacy over arming and end what they called a "costly and deadly war." Similar actions included teach-ins, such as one on March 5, 2025, emphasizing the human costs of continued fighting and the need for material analysis of 's and 's positions. By February 18, 2025, Code Pink reiterated support for negotiations to halt the war, urging the incoming Trump administration to cease U.S. arms transfers abroad and facilitate peace talks, consistent with its campaigns like "Stop the War in ," which sought global unified protests against escalation. These efforts aligned with petitions to media outlets for balanced coverage of peace advocates and promotions of works critiquing the conflict's origins, such as Benjamin's book War in : Making Sense of a Senseless Conflict. Critics, including think tanks like the , have argued that Code Pink's opposition to Ukrainian aid effectively undermines resistance to Russian aggression, despite the group's explicit denunciation of the .

China and Human Rights

Code Pink has positioned itself as a critic of Western human rights narratives concerning , framing such critiques as tools of U.S. geopolitical rather than genuine . The organization's "China Is Not Our Enemy" campaign, initiated in 2019 by co-founder , emphasizes countering media portrayals of that it deems inflammatory, including those related to abuses. This effort includes promoting 's annual reports on U.S. violations, such as the 2024 edition released in September, which Code Pink urged media outlets to cover as a rebuke to American hypocrisy. On China's policies toward Uyghur Muslims in , Code Pink has rejected claims of or mass as exaggerated propaganda designed to escalate tensions. The group has echoed Chinese government assertions that facilities in serve as voluntary vocational training centers to combat , dismissing evidence from , survivor testimonies, and leaked documents as unreliable or fabricated. This position contrasts with determinations by the U.S. State Department in January 2021, which labeled the situation a involving forced labor and sterilization, supported by reports from the and organizations documenting over one million detentions since 2017. Critics, including analysts, have accused Code Pink of engaging in denialism akin to historical minimizations of atrocities, particularly after the group's rhetoric shifted post-2017 from prior condemnations of China's record. Code Pink's engagement with China extends to organizing delegations, such as a 10-day community trip in November 2024 attended by ten members, focused on showcasing economic innovation in hubs like without public emphasis on concerns in regions like or . Participants reported back in December 2024 webinars highlighting positive developments, aligning with the group's broader narrative that U.S. criticisms overlook 's poverty alleviation achievements, such as lifting 800 million people out of since 1978 per official statistics. The organization has not documented protests or campaigns against documented suppressions in , including the 2020 National Security Law leading to over 10,000 arrests by 2023, or ongoing restrictions in affecting cultural and religious practices. This selective focus has prompted scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Chuck Grassley's April 2025 letter to the DOJ and FBI questioning Code Pink's alignment with Chinese state interests.

Funding and Financial Sources

Primary Revenue Streams

CodePink, operating as a 501(c)(3) under the name CodePink: Women for Peace, derives the vast majority of its revenue from contributions and grants. For the fiscal year ending March 2022, the group's IRS reported total revenue of $1,230,357, with $1,215,394—nearly 99%—attributed to contributions and grants, including both individual donations and foundation support. The remaining $14,963 stemmed from investment income, while program service revenue, sales of assets, inventory, and other miscellaneous sources yielded $0. In the prior year (fiscal year ending March 2021), contributions and grants similarly dominated, totaling over $1.5 million out of approximately $1.7 million in overall revenue. This pattern holds across recent filings, reflecting reliance on donor funding rather than fee-based activities or commercial operations. For instance, another filing indicated contributions and grants of $1,273,425 against zero program service revenue. The absence of significant alternative streams underscores CodePink's model as a donation-dependent advocacy group, with no reported income from events, merchandise sales, or membership dues qualifying as major categories in audited returns. Investment income remains marginal, typically under 2% of totals, and fluctuates with modest asset holdings.

Notable Donors and Grants

Code Pink has received substantial financial support from foundations and entities linked to , a U.S.-born billionaire and self-described socialist residing in , . Between 2017 and 2022, organizations connected to Singham, including the Justice and Education Fund and the United Community Fund, donated over $1.4 million to Code Pink, representing approximately 25% of its total funding during that period. Singham's wife, , is a co-founder of Code Pink, raising questions about the independence of these contributions amid allegations of ties to (CCP) influence operations, as highlighted in U.S. congressional investigations. Other notable grants have come from progressive philanthropic organizations, including the Benjamin Fund, Threshold Foundation, and New Priorities Foundation, though specific amounts and dates for these contributions are not publicly detailed due to Code Pink's limited financial transparency. Code Pink maintains that its funding derives primarily from individual donations by concerned citizens and denies any direct support from foreign governments, including . Its IRS filings, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, report total revenues exceeding $1.7 million in recent years but do not disclose individual donor identities below certain thresholds, contributing to ongoing scrutiny over funding sources.

Controversies and Criticisms

Allegations of Foreign Influence

Code Pink has faced allegations of serving as a conduit for (CCP) influence through funding and ideological alignment with narratives promoted by , a Shanghai-based billionaire and former American tech executive who has donated millions to leftist organizations echoing CCP positions. A 2023 New York Times investigation detailed Singham's network, which includes Code Pink, as part of a "lavishly funded influence campaign" that produces content minimizing Chinese human rights abuses, such as Uyghur persecution, and advocating for reduced U.S. scrutiny of Beijing's policies. Singham's contributions, estimated in the tens of millions across affiliated groups, reportedly flow through U.S.-based nonprofits without direct CCP labeling, raising questions about transparency under the (FARA). In April 2025, Senator (R-IN) urged Attorney General to investigate Code Pink for potential FARA violations, citing the group's 2024 delegation to that produced a report asserting "Taiwan is part of " and portraying U.S. military presence in as aggressive akin to historical Japanese expansionism—positions aligning closely with official CCP rhetoric. Similarly, Senator (R-IA) highlighted Code Pink's ties to Singham-funded entities like The People's Forum, arguing that such connections obligate registration as foreign agents given the evident Chinese government influence on their activities. These claims build on congressional probes, including a 2023 House Natural Resources Committee into CCP-linked funding of anti-war groups, which identified Code Pink's denial of Chinese atrocities as consistent with Singham's broader propaganda efforts. Code Pink has denied receiving direct funding from or any foreign government, asserting that its operations rely on individual U.S. donations and rejecting FARA applicability as baseless smears intended to stifle dissent against U.S. . The group filed ethics complaints in 2025 against lawmakers like Representative (R-FL) for alleging CCP propaganda ties, framing such accusations as politically motivated attacks on peace advocacy. No formal FARA actions against Code Pink have been confirmed as of October 2025, though ongoing congressional scrutiny persists amid broader concerns over opaque nonprofit funding networks. Allegations of Iranian influence center less on funding and more on Code Pink's repeated engagements with Iranian officials, including a 2024 delegation where co-founder met Ayatollahs and criticized U.S.- policy alignment, prompting claims from critics like United Against Nuclear Iran that the group amplifies ’s narratives without disclosing potential coordination. However, no verified evidence of direct Iranian financial support has emerged in public reports. Russian influence claims remain speculative, tied to Code Pink's opposition to aid but lacking documented funding links comparable to the allegations.

Hypocrisy in Human Rights Advocacy

Code Pink has faced for applying inconsistent standards in its advocacy, frequently condemning alleged abuses by the and while downplaying or denying severe violations by adversarial regimes such as , , and . This selectivity aligns with the group's broader anti-interventionist focus, which prioritizes opposition to Western foreign policy over comprehensive scrutiny of global authoritarian practices, leading observers to question the universality of its commitments. A prominent example involves Code Pink's stance on China's treatment of Uyghur Muslims, where the group has engaged in what critics describe as denial despite extensive documentation of mass , forced labor, and cultural erasure affecting over one million individuals since 2017. In 2020, Code Pink launched the "China Is Not Our Enemy" campaign, advocating U.S. cooperation with on climate issues and framing tensions as manufactured by American policy, without addressing Uyghur re-education camps or organ harvesting allegations corroborated by UN reports and survivor testimonies. Founder Jodie Evans has publicly described as a "defender" of Muslims, inverting the narrative of state-sponsored persecution that human rights organizations like have verified through , leaked documents, and eyewitness accounts. This shift from earlier criticisms of 's record pre-2017 to unqualified support correlates with funding ties to Neville Roy Singham, a U.S. linked to CCP networks, raising concerns about influenced . Similarly, Code Pink's advocacy regarding exhibits selective engagement, with vigorous protests against U.S. sanctions and potential military action overshadowing consistent condemnation of the regime's domestic repression. While a 2019 statement urged to cease violence against protesters and restore during unrest, the group has since prioritized "No War on " demonstrations and visits to Iranian officials, including meetings with Ayatollahs in 2024 where co-founder criticized Israeli influence rather than highlighting ongoing executions, which numbered 853 in 2023 alone according to data. This approach downplays causal links between regime policies—such as morality police enforcement leading to the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini and subsequent protests—and systemic abuses, including forced laws and suppression of movements. In the context of Russia's 2022 invasion of , Code Pink has opposed U.S. , framing it as escalation while acknowledging Russian atrocities in FAQs but emphasizing negotiation over accountability for documented war crimes, such as the involving over 400 civilian deaths verified by . This contrasts sharply with the group's intensive focus on U.S. drone strikes, which it quantifies in thousands but contextualizes less rigorously for non-Western actors, revealing a pattern where rhetoric serves anti-imperialist critiques of the West rather than equitable global standards. Critics, including congressional figures, argue this omission undermines genuine advocacy, as Code Pink rarely disrupts forums on Russian or Chinese abuses with the fervor applied to Israel-related events. Code Pink activists have employed a range of disruptive tactics to amplify their anti-war and foreign policy critiques, including interrupting congressional hearings, public speeches, and rallies with chants, signs, and theatrical actions such as die-ins. These methods aim to challenge officials directly and generate media coverage, often involving coordinated groups entering public events to voice opposition before being removed by security. For example, on July 23, 2015, Code Pink members disrupted a rally by then-Senator outside the , shouting objections to his foreign policy stances without apology, asserting their First Amendment rights. In congressional settings, disruptions have become a hallmark, with activists frequently targeting Senate committees on intelligence, foreign relations, and nominations. During a March 25, 2025, Intelligence Committee hearing on global threats, Code Pink protesters interrupted proceedings, leading to their removal by Capitol Police after warnings from , who criticized the group for undermining testimony. Similar interruptions occurred at confirmation hearings, including those for and in early 2025, where activists halted questioning to protest U.S. support for and military policies. Other tactics include "bird-dogging"—confronting politicians at private events or offices—and staging mock funerals or blood-splattered demonstrations to symbolize war casualties. These actions have resulted in arrests, though many charges are subsequently dropped or not pursued aggressively, reflecting lenient enforcement in , for non-violent disruptions. Code Pink members have faced or trespassing charges during hearings; for instance, two activists were arrested on March 26, 2025, after interrupting a hearing on Israel-related threats. In a 2007 congressional protest wave, while some anti-war demonstrators were jailed, Code Pink's frequent heckling often led to releases without prosecution, contrasting with stricter handling of other groups. The group has also encountered civil lawsuits stemming from protests alleged to incite violence. On July 11, 2024, Code Pink and the Palestinian Youth Movement were sued following a June 23 demonstration in that reportedly escalated into and , with plaintiffs claiming the organizations failed to control participants and promoted unrest. Such legal actions highlight tensions over accountability for events where peaceful intent devolves into chaos, though outcomes remain pending.

Impact and Reception

Claimed Achievements

Code Pink asserts that its inaugural four-month vigil outside the , beginning November 17, 2002, mobilized thousands and heightened public opposition to the U.S. of , culminating in over 10,000 participants and arrests of prominent activists on March 8, 2003. The organization credits its sustained disruptions of congressional hearings and public demonstrations with contributing to the 2010 withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from , describing it as a partial victory for the broader . In advocacy, Code Pink claims successes through delegations, such as leading over 200 participants to in 2015 to support diplomatic normalization amid easing U.S. relations. Similar trips to , , and other regions are touted as fostering direct and countering narratives of hostility, with the group reporting expanded networks for initiatives. Domestically, it highlights 2021 efforts like calling parties and monthly intergenerational forums as key to recruiting young activists into anti-militarism campaigns. The group promotes its involvement in (BDS) efforts, citing instances such as South African dockworkers' 2009 refusal to unload an Israeli ship as evidence of growing international against perceived aggressors. Code Pink's "Divest from the War Machine" campaign is presented as advancing economic pressure to curb military profiteering, though specific quantifiable outcomes remain self-reported. In 2014, the organization received the U.S. Peace Prize from the U.S. Peace Memorial Foundation, which it attributes to its innovative protest tactics and leadership in challenging U.S. .

Broader Critiques and Legacy

Code Pink has faced broader critiques for its selective application of anti-war and human rights principles, often prioritizing opposition to U.S. foreign policy while downplaying or defending abuses by adversarial regimes. Critics argue this reflects an ideological bias that undermines genuine peace advocacy, as evidenced by the group's shift from criticizing China's human rights record before 2017 to defending its policies on Uyghur internment camps thereafter, a change coinciding with funding ties to Neville Roy Singham, a U.S. tech mogul based in Shanghai whose network has been linked to Chinese Communist Party (CCP) propaganda efforts. Congressional investigations have highlighted Code Pink's connections to Singham-funded entities like The People's Forum, raising concerns about foreign influence compromising the group's independence and potentially violating foreign agent registration requirements. This funding dynamic, reportedly channeling millions through opaque nonprofits, has led to accusations that Code Pink serves as an unwitting or tacit vector for pro-CCP narratives, eroding its credibility as an objective anti-militarism voice. Further critiques center on performative that prioritizes disruption over constructive , alienating policymakers and the public without achieving measurable shifts. For instance, while Code Pink claims to redirect U.S. tax dollars from , its silence on atrocities by non-U.S. actors—such as Hamas's , 2023, attacks—highlights a pattern of selective outrage, where U.S.-aligned actions draw intense focus but equivalent or greater violence by opponents like Iran-backed groups receives minimal condemnation. Analysts note this fosters , excusing authoritarian tactics under multicultural or anti-imperialist pretexts, which dilutes the moral authority of feminist peace claims and mirrors broader left-leaning institutional biases toward excusing illiberal regimes. Empirical assessments of efficacy suggest such tactics yield short-term media attention but long-term backlash, as seen in public fatigue with veteran-harassing actions reminiscent of Vietnam-era confrontations, ultimately hindering coalition-building for sustainable anti-war efforts. In terms of legacy, Code Pink's founding in November 2002 amid Iraq War opposition pioneered women-led, visually striking protests that amplified anti-interventionist voices, mobilizing thousands and influencing cultural discourse on war's gendered impacts through hybrid grassroots strategies blending performance art and direct action. However, its enduring influence remains niche and polarizing, with post-2011 declines in broad anti-war support exposing limits: no major U.S. military withdrawals directly attributable to its campaigns, and a pivot toward Gaza solidarity since 2023 reinforcing perceptions of partisan extremism over universal pacifism. The group's evolution into a platform intersecting with pro-Palestinian militancy and CCP-aligned funding has cemented a legacy of heightened visibility for fringe critiques but at the cost of mainstream marginalization, serving as a cautionary example of how ideological funding and selective advocacy can fracture activist credibility in an era demanding causal consistency over spectacle.

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  97. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/05/world/europe/neville-roy-singham-china-propaganda.html
  98. https://chinamediaproject.org/2023/08/16/code-pink-code-red/
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  110. https://www.codepink.org/china
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  112. https://www.codepink.org/bayareasolidaritymarches
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  114. https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1778078809637490959
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  119. https://www.jns.org/code-pink-palestinian-youth-movement-face-lawsuit-after-la-protest/
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  122. https://www.codepink.org/2021_codepink_young_people_peace_movement
  123. https://www.codepink.org/10_good_things_about_2009
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  125. https://www.johnlocke.org/code-pink-has-nothing-to-say-about-hamas-atrocities/
  126. https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/5050/code-pink-multiculturalism-and-relativism/
  127. https://www.newtimesslo.com/a-legacy-of-destruction-2974484/
  128. https://www.timesofisrael.com/report-links-us-anti-israel-groups-to-beijing-backed-network-aiding-china/
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