If you’re not already aware of Ben & Jerry’s position on the current administration, you’re really missing out. The ice cream company is strongly opposed to President Donald Trump, which is evident in their products, such as the ‘Pecan Resist’ flavor. Co-founder Ben Cohen’s opposition to the administration is also clear; he was arrested during a Senate hearing in Washington D.C., Virginia, after interrupting Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to protest the situation in Gaza. This action demonstrates that some individuals are willing to use their privilege to advocate for what they believe is right.
The above clip shows Ben Cohen being escorted out of the committee room following a brief protest in the middle of the health secretary’s speech in Virginia. He was a part of a small group who held up banners and yelling, “When Bobby lies, children die,” among other things. In the clip, you can see how startled RFK Jr. was as the protest began, but the authorities were quick to remove Cohen, alongside the other protestors quickly. The ice cream co-founder was promptly put in handcuffs and arrested.
While being removed, a woman can be heard asking what had happened, to which Cohen replied, “Congress kills poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs and pays for it by kicking kids off Medicaid in the US Congress and the senators need to ease the siege, they need to let food into Gaza. They need to let food to starving kids.”
Various commenters on the video were quick to criticize Cohen’s actions. However, a large number of people thanked him for being a voice in the dark. One person said, “Thank you for using your privilege 🙏. Im Jewish living in Israel & I oppose the genocide. The only way to stop my country horrific crimes is by cutting off the bombs supply.”
Alongside Ben Cohen, seven other protesters were also arrested in relation to the protest. While the cause for arrest hasn’t been revealed, it is likely for ‘crowding, obstructing, or incommoding,’ as is common with those who are arrested for protesting. Considering he was able to share the video to social media, it’s probably safe to say he was able to be let out on bail.
