Ben Cohen Arrested During Protest Against Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Senate Hearing

On May 14, 2025, Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, found himself in handcuffs after being arrested during a Senate hearing where Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, was testifying. This arrest is part of a larger pattern of Cohen’s activism, which has seen him take bold stances on social issues, even at the risk of public scrutiny and legal consequences.

Disruption at a Key Senate Hearing

Activists Storm Senate Committee, Shouting Objections

The hearing, part of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, took an unexpected turn when Cohen and six others interrupted proceedings. As Kennedy Jr. began his opening remarks, protestors, including Cohen, shouted, "RFK kills people with hate!" repeatedly. The aggressive protest disrupted the session, forcing Capitol Police to step in and remove the demonstrators from the room.

Senator Bill Cassidy, chairing the session, briefly halted the hearing while Capitol Police escorted the protestors outside. Upon resumption of the session, Cassidy lightened the mood by remarking, “That was a made-for-C-SPAN moment,” alluding to the spectacle that unfolded.

Arrests and Legal Consequences

Cohen Among Seven Arrested for Disrupting the Hearing

The Capitol Police confirmed that Ben Cohen was arrested for obstruction during the protest. While Cohen’s charge was relatively minor, several other protesters faced more serious charges, including resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer. The authorities have not yet clarified which protestors faced the more severe charges. Cohen’s detainment marked another chapter in his history of politically charged actions in Washington, D.C.

Cohen’s participation in the protest was not surprising to those familiar with his advocacy efforts. His long-standing commitment to progressive causes has often led him to challenge politicians he believes are harmful to social justice or public health.

A Legacy of Activism

Cohen's History of Public Protests and Arrests

This arrest is not the first time Cohen has found himself on the other side of the law due to his political convictions. In 2023, he was arrested outside the Department of Homeland Security, blocking the entrance to protest the detention of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. His history of direct action and civil disobedience spans decades and is a core part of the ethos he shares with his business partner Jerry Greenfield.

Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield have used their company, Ben & Jerry’s, as a platform for activism since its founding in 1978. The company’s advocacy for climate change, social justice, and human rights has often led to controversies and clashes with political figures, especially those on the right.

Ben & Jerry’s Political Stance

The Company’s Progressive Agenda and Its Impact

Ben & Jerry’s has long been associated with left-wing politics, and its public stance on social issues has frequently put it at odds with conservative leaders. One of the most high-profile examples of this was the company’s 2021 decision to stop selling ice cream in the West Bank, which it referred to as the "Occupied Palestinian Territory." This move sparked an outcry from pro-Israel advocates, as well as conservative politicians, who accused the company of taking a political stance rather than focusing on its business.

Despite these controversies, Ben & Jerry’s has maintained its commitment to progressive activism. The company’s board, which remains independent despite being owned by Unilever, continues to champion social justice initiatives, including climate action, racial equality, and LGBTQ+ rights.

RFK Jr. and the Protest

A Target of Controversy: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The protest at the Senate hearing was directed at Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose political views and public statements have attracted both significant support and vehement opposition. Kennedy, a leading figure in the anti-vaccine movement, has faced intense criticism for his stance on vaccines and public health, which has made him a divisive figure in American politics.

Protestors, including Cohen, have been vocal in their opposition to Kennedy’s views, particularly his statements about the harm caused by government health mandates. The protestors' chant, "RFK kills people with hate," was a direct condemnation of Kennedy’s political rhetoric, reflecting their belief that his words contribute to a climate of fear and division.

Cohen’s Role in the Protest

A Personal Statement Against Political Ideals

Ben Cohen’s involvement in the protest reflects his long-standing commitment to using his platform for social change. His willingness to disrupt the proceedings of a U.S. Senate hearing to challenge Kennedy Jr.’s views is consistent with his broader activism. Whether advocating for environmental policy changes or speaking out on racial justice issues, Cohen has been a consistent voice for progressive ideals.

In addition to his role as a businessman, Cohen has become a symbol of how entrepreneurs can wield their influence to push for political and social change. His actions, while sometimes controversial, underscore the powerful intersection of business and activism in today’s political climate.

The Fallout and Reactions

Political Leaders React to the Protest

The aftermath of the protest saw a mixed reaction. Some expressed support for Cohen and his fellow activists, praising them for taking a stand on important social issues. Others, particularly on the right, criticized the protestors for disrupting a critical Senate hearing and accused them of using inappropriate tactics to voice their dissent.

In the wake of the protest, Ben Cohen and the other activists were temporarily detained, but the disruption did not significantly derail the proceedings of the Senate hearing. Kennedy Jr. was able to continue with his testimony after the protestors were removed.

The Future of Ben & Jerry’s Activism

Will Ben & Jerry’s Continue to Be a Voice for Change?

As one of the co-founders of Ben & Jerry’s, Cohen’s actions are likely to continue shaping the company’s public image. The ice cream brand’s commitment to progressive causes is unlikely to waver, as long as Cohen and other leaders at the company remain involved in social issues. However, the recent protest raises important questions about the role of corporate activism in today’s political climate and whether it can have a lasting impact on public discourse.

Ben & Jerry’s has shown no signs of backing down from its progressive values, and Cohen’s arrest serves as a reminder that the brand will continue to use its influence to advocate for change. Whether in the courtroom, the streets, or the Senate chamber, Cohen’s activism remains a cornerstone of both his personal identity and the legacy of the ice cream company.

A Bold Stand for Progressive Change

Cohen's Arrest: A Symbol of Political Engagement and Civil Disobedience

Ben Cohen’s arrest in the Senate hearing is not just another moment in the long history of his activism; it’s a statement. The co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s has made it clear that he is willing to risk his freedom to fight for the causes he believes in. In an era when political divisions are deepening, Cohen’s actions serve as a reminder of the power of activism in shaping the future of both business and politics.

The protest also underscores the growing intersection of social movements, corporate responsibility, and political discourse. As long as figures like Cohen continue to push for change, Ben & Jerry’s will remain a significant voice in the ongoing conversation about social justice, human rights, and political reform.

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