Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who is set to leave Congress in January, received commendations from Medea Benjamin, co-founder of CODEPINK, a leftist activist organization known for supporting controversial regimes, during a visit to her Capitol office on Wednesday.
Medea Benjamin, identifying herself as a “peace activist” on social media, mentioned, “Today we visited Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene to thank her for being such a strong anti-war voice in Congress and to say we will miss her.” Accompanying her post were two photos: one showing her with Greene in her office wearing a shirt that declares “I love the liberation of Palestine,” and another with a group of CODEPINK associates donned in keffiyehs, a symbol of Palestinian nationalism often linked to pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
The background is a bit complex, and Benjamin has received some criticism over the years. For instance, in 2015, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) labeled her as “radical Islam’s best hope” after she disrupted an event hosted by the Atlantic Council. Benjamin had faced difficulties herself—she was detained and assaulted by authorities in Egypt in 2014 while attempting to reach Gaza and described a harrowing experience where Egyptian police allegedly broke her arm.
After Benjamin’s post, Greene engaged with it, tweeting, “I am America First and completely oppose funding foreign wars or supporting peace because that is what is good for everyone, especially the most innocent people, children.” Greene has expressed that she values her connections with the media and believes in forming alliances, even when politics suggests otherwise.
In 2010, CODEPINK announced that members would stay in Hamas-owned hotels during the Gaza Freedom March, which aimed to deliver humanitarian aid. During this event, Hamas officials provided security and engaged directly with participants. CODEPINK has supported various anti-Israel initiatives and backers of Hamas, aligning itself with broader anti-apartheid sentiments.
Over the years, CODEPINK has shown support for a range of regimes, including the Castro government in Cuba, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s Iran, and Hugo Chávez’s Venezuela, often visiting these countries as guests of their governments. Their documented connections include support for groups like the Muslim Brotherhood and opposition to U.S. allies, such as former Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak.
Recently, CODEPINK faced scrutiny due to its ties to pro-China figures and allegations of funneling money to extremist groups through various financial channels. The House Oversight Committee has called on the Treasury Department to investigate these financial connections.
Reports indicate that CODEPINK received substantial funding linked to networks advocating for groups accused of inciting social upheaval and promoting narratives consistent with the Chinese Communist Party. The organization has been involved in campaigns downplaying the genocide of Uyghurs, which seems to align with Chinese state interests.
CODEPINK has been active in protests across the U.S. Recently, they interrupted Secretary Kristi Noem during a congressional hearing, with one demonstrator dressed as a Catholic cardinal making headlines for their dramatic appeal against the deportation of immigrants.
Instances have emerged where CODEPINK has been charged with exploiting crises to further its agenda. For example, in January 2025, they controversially connected California wildfires to military actions in Gaza, framing both as stemming from “genocide” and environmental injustice. At last year’s Democratic National Convention, anti-Semitic slogans were reportedly part of pro-Palestinian marches led by Benjamin.
In recent weeks, Greene has expressed her disillusionment with both major political parties, branding herself as an “America First conservative.” This includes alliances and expressions of frustration towards Republican leadership, which she feels has sidelined certain legislative efforts.
Greene’s claims of feeling marginalized seem at odds with her recent endorsement by CODEPINK, which portrays itself as a “female-led” organization. However, its co-founders have condemned threats against female journalists while also aligning with groups known for repression, such as Iran and Hamas.
