CODEPINK disrupts Trump-Vance-Rubio dinner, calls for ‘free DC, free Palestine’; what is the organization and who are its founders

Code Pink, an anti-war, feminist organization disrupted a private dinner attended by President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and War Secretary Pete Hegseth on September 9. Organisation members, at a prominent steakhouse near the White House protested against war and chanted “They feast while Gaza starves,” “Trump is the Hitler of our time,” “Free DC, Free Palestine.”

The group’s demonstration came in direct response to the Trump administration's policies, both domestic, such as militarized crackdowns in the capital, and international, especially US support for Israel’s campaign in Gaza.

Video footage shared by CODEPINK showed President Trump approaching the protesting activists inside the restaurant. Rather than visibly confronting the protesters, Trump was seen smiling and smirking as chants echoed around him, appearing to acknowledge the demonstration with a pointed gesture signaling them to leave, at which point security personnel intervened to escort the activists out.

What is CODEPINK

Founded in 2002 by Medea Benjamin, Jodie Evans, Diane Wilson, Starhawk, and others amid opposition to the looming Iraq War, CODEPINK emerged as a feminist grassroots peace organization committed to ending US militarism, redirecting resources to social programs, and advocating for human rights. The group’s flagship campaigns include "Divest from the War Machine"- aimed at stopping the flow of funds to the arms trade and military contractors, and broad-based resistance to US interventions, drone strikes, and militarization both domestically and globally.

CODEPINK’s methods feature joyful, creative protest: satire, street theatre, and direct action, always conducted under a strict philosophy of nonviolence and inclusiveness. The group is known for confronting policymakers and staging visible actions on Capitol Hill and beyond.

CODEPINK’s DC demonstration sought to draw a clear link between what protesters call "militarized policing at home and militarized occupation abroad." Their criticism extended to the Trump administration’s expanded deployment of federal forces into DC, which officials justified as necessary to restore order but which local critics say obscured the city’s actual crime statistics, including a recent decline in reported violence. Outside and inside the restaurant, chants referenced both the situation in Gaza, where over 60,000 Palestinians have reportedly died since 2023.

Founders, leadership, and vision

The founders, including prominent activists like Medea Benjamin and Jodie Evans, built CODEPINK to embody a “wage peace” ethic in response to post-9/11 US policy. The group’s name is a pointed play on the Bush administration’s post-9/11 color-coded security alerts, signaling a call for national vigilance in favor of peace, not war. Over more than two decades, CODEPINK has grown into a prominent global network, advocating for justice, ending wars, and supporting feminist values in activism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who leads CODEPINK, and is it only for women?
CODEPINK was co-founded by Medea Benjamin, Jodie Evans, Gael Murphy and prominent allies. While rooted in feminist principles, the organization welcomes people of all genders, including non-binary and male supporters.

What are CODEPINK’s central principles?
The group emphasizes nonviolent action, clear and creative messaging, grassroots autonomy, teamwork, diversity, and long-term commitment to building a “peace economy” focused on uplifting social welfare and justice.

Has CODEPINK disrupted high-profile events before?
Yes. CODEPINK is known for confronting US decision-makers at events, public hearings, and summits, always aiming to highlight peace, justice, and human rights concerns through vivid, peaceful protest.