Sen. Rick Scott Calls for Revocation of Code Pink’s Tax-Exempt Status

WASHINGTON — Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) is urging the Trump administration to take action against the activist organization Code Pink, alleging that it receives funding from various U.S. adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party and Cuba.

On Wednesday, Scott sent a letter to IRS Commissioner Frank Bisignano, asserting that this 501(c)(3) educational group “has a long history of engaging with shady individuals and partaking in inappropriate conduct. It seems to violate the standards and rules required for nonprofit organizations.”

In his letter, Scott emphasized, “Americans should expect that the significant benefits associated with tax-exempt status are reserved for organizations that operate independently and promote genuine charitable, educational, or public interest purposes.”

For years, Code Pink has been known for its disruptive protests, often seen clad in pink, during Congressional hearings. They have voiced opposition to issues like U.S. support for Israel.

Scott contended that Code Pink’s activities infringe upon their nonprofit status due to their lobbying efforts, both public and private, to sway Congress, including disseminating misinformation regarding the Chinese Communist Party and denying claims about forced labor practices in Xinjiang.

“While the relationship with the Chinese Communist Party is concerning and merits a thorough investigation, the daily operations of Code Pink raise further questions about their eligibility as a 501(c)(3) organization,” the senator stated.

IRS guidelines prohibit 501(c)(3) organizations from engaging in excessive lobbying to maintain their tax-exempt status.

Scott pointed out that Code Pink was established during the Iraq War specifically to lobby Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi. He noted, “The organization has continuously lobbied Congress, claiming a reputation for confronting military advocates in various settings.”

He also raised concerns about the group’s connections to China, highlighting that one co-founder, the wife of billionaire Neville Roy Singham, is known to support the Chinese Communist Party and has previously funded Code Pink protests.

These protests have included demonstrations against the U.S.-Iran conflict in Times Square. Singham, who lives in China, faces accusations of working with the Chinese government’s propaganda efforts.

Moreover, the House Ways and Means Committee is currently looking into possible links between Code Pink’s funders and the Chinese Communist Party.

Recently, Code Pink received a federal subpoena regarding a March trip to Cuba amid concerns of potential sanctions violations.

The Treasury Department is investigating, particularly focusing on Code Pink’s leaders, like Medea Benjamin, who stayed in a luxury hotel in Havana under the guise of providing humanitarian aid. However, it’s unclear how much they interacted with the Cuban government.

“We delivered essential medicines and medical supplies to Cuba during a time of severe shortages due to the U.S. blockade,” Benjamin stated previously. “We stayed at a hotel permissible under U.S. regulations, as Spanish-owned hotels are approved for American travelers.”

The Post has sought comments from both the IRS and Code Pink.