GOP Senator Questions Potential CCP Influence Through Code Pink and The People’s Forum

GOP Senator Questions Potential CCP Influence Through Code Pink and The People’s Forum

Code Pink, the liberal antiwar organization famous for its protests and distinctive fuchsia attire, may soon face scrutiny under a law which mandates disclosure of political actions benefiting foreign governments. A prominent Republican senator raised concerns about the organization’s connections to the Chinese Communist Party.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley from Iowa sent a letter on Wednesday to FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, urging a review of Code Pink and The People’s Forum, a socialist group based in New York. Grassley questioned whether these entities need to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, commonly known as FARA.

Grassley emphasized the importance of the Department of Justice in ensuring compliance with FARA, which he calls an essential mechanism for combating foreign governments that seek to sway American public policy and opinion. He noted that the law does not restrict speech or activities but requires registration for those acting on behalf of foreign interests.

Targeting Chinese Influence

The senator focused particularly on the ongoing influence of the Chinese Communist Party, pointing out that the CCP has invested over $400 million since 2016 to infiltrate American politics. He alleged that both Code Pink and The People’s Forum have ties to Neville Roy Singham, a wealthy activist with connections to the CCP.

Although Singham has denied collaboration with the Chinese government, Grassley referenced reports indicating that he attended a Communist Party workshop aimed at promoting its agenda internationally in July 2023. Grassley further cited that Singham’s associates include the Shanghai Maku Cultural Communication Company, which reportedly aims to educate foreigners about China’s successes.

Additionally, he highlighted that Singham’s news organization is involved in a YouTube series partially funded by Shanghai’s propaganda apparatus. Grassley noted that the co-founder of Code Pink, Jodie Evans, who happens to be Singham’s wife, has contentious ties to funding sources linked to Singham.

Past Controversies and Human Rights Criticism

Grassley pointed out Evans’ past comments regarding the Uyghurs, suggesting that she labeled them as terrorists. This viewpoint stands in stark contrast to the U.S. government’s designation of the Uyghurs as victims of significant human rights violations carried out by the Chinese state. The senator quoted reports indicating that after marrying Singham, Evans and Code Pink adopted a more pronounced pro-China stance.

Connections Between the Organizations

Grassley detailed an interaction between Code Pink and the House Select Committee on China, where the group allegedly dismissed any evidence regarding forced labor in Xinjiang. This position seems to align with Chinese interests, raising questions about the organization’s accountability and motivations. Furthermore, Grassley criticized their attempt to influence a vote by the Foreign Relations Committee against a $1.6 billion campaign aimed at countering Chinese propaganda.

The People’s Forum Under Scrutiny

The People’s Forum, which provides a café and meeting space in Manhattan, has also come under Grassley’s microscope. He cited investigations revealing that Singham is a principal financier of the group, which has organized protests against Israel following the recent Hamas attacks.

Grassley referred to a tweet made by The People’s Forum asserting it does not receive “dark money” and boasting of its association with Singham, whom it describes as a Marxist whose donations support political education and culture.

Calls for Accountability

Representative Bruce Westerman from Arkansas previously reached out to The People’s Forum to demand clarification regarding its alleged involvement in a pro-Palestinian protest that led to vandalism at Washington-Union Station. This is part of a broader movement across the nation to advocate for pro-Palestinian views.

Grassley concluded his letter by stating there is sufficient evidence suggesting that both The People’s Forum and Code Pink have received financial backing from Singham and have links to the Chinese government. He raised concerns that their actions have potentially facilitated Chinese interests in the U.S. political landscape.

Furthermore, he underscored the danger that secretive foreign lobbying operations pose to the American populace, calling upon the DOJ to investigate any prior interactions between these organizations and federal entities.

Awaiting Responses

As this issue unfolds, Fox News Digital attempted to obtain comment from both Code Pink and The People’s Forum, along with contacts for Singham, but marked no responses thus far. The upcoming inquiries into these organizations could hold significant implications for how foreign influence operations are monitored and regulated in the U.S.

Grassley’s proactive stance may spur additional scrutiny on groups accused of foreign affiliations, heightening the conversation around transparency, accountability, and the potential influences shaping American policy.