Protesters from the left-wing group Code Pink caused chaos at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing this week, shouting about U.S. support for Israel before being removed by police. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) blasted the group during the confrontation, calling them “lunatics” and alleging they receive funding from communist China. The outburst highlights ongoing concerns about foreign influence in American political groups.
The disruption occurred during a routine Senate hearing when activists interrupted proceedings with loud chants about Middle East policy. Senator Cotton fired back by highlighting Code Pink’s controversial financial ties, stating “Code Pink is funded by communist China as well.” Security personnel swiftly escorted the protesters out, but not before one shouted about “funding genocide” in Gaza. These tactics are familiar for Code Pink, which has a long history of similar disruptions targeting congressional hearings.
Questions about Code Pink’s funding have intensified since 2017, when the group began receiving millions from networks tied to Neville Roy Singham, a socialist millionaire based in China. Singham’s organizations push pro-Communist Party narratives globally, and his wife co-founded Code Pink. Congressional investigators recently revealed that over 25% of Code Pink’s donations since 2017 came from Singham-linked groups, totaling nearly $1.4 million. This money flow coincided with the group softening its criticism of China’s human rights abuses.
Critics argue Code Pink now echoes Chinese propaganda, downplaying Beijing’s oppression of Uyghurs and promoting China’s “anti-poverty campaigns” without scrutiny. Their “China Is Not Our Enemy” campaign mirrors CCP talking points, even defending China’s actions in Xinjiang. This shift raises concerns that foreign money has compromised the group’s missions, transforming anti-war activists into mouthpieces for authoritarian regimes.
The hearing disruption follows a pattern of Code Pink protests targeting U.S. military and intelligence officials. Earlier this year, members shouted at Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin about Gaza during a budget hearing, leading to 25 separate removals by Capitol Police. Veterans associated with the group have also stormed hearings for military nominees, accusing them of supporting “Zionist wars.”
Republican leaders are demanding accountability. House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman launched an investigation last November into Code Pink’s CCP connections, calling the funding arrangements “a threat to national security.” Senator Marco Rubio has urged the Justice Department to probe whether these financial ties violate foreign lobbying laws. Cotton’s fiery remarks this week reflect growing GOP frustration with perceived foreign meddling in domestic policy debates.
By aligning with China’s interests, Code Pink undermines legitimate criticism of Beijing’s aggressive actions in Taiwan and the South China Sea. Their protests divert attention from real threats like China’s military buildup and intellectual property theft. Meanwhile, American taxpayers foot the bill for Capitol Police responses to their orchestrated chaos.
This incident exposes how radical groups exploit free speech protections to advance foreign agendas. As China seeks to weaken U.S. global leadership, Congress must remain vigilant against organizations blurring the lines between activism and foreign interference. The days of letting CCP-funded radicals hijack serious policy discussions should end.
