Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder Voices Disdain for U.S. and NATO Involvement in Ukraine
Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream company, recently expressed his frustration with U.S. and NATO involvement in Ukraine. In an interview with Politico, Cohen criticized NATO expansionism and the “military-industrial-congressional complex” as aggravating factors in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He stated, “In the end, money won, and today, not only are they providing weapons to all the new NATO countries, but they’re providing weapons to Ukraine.” Cohen clarified that he is not supporting either Russia or Ukraine, but rather advocating for negotiations to end the war instead of escalating it with more weapons.
Cohen’s disdain for war and profit-driven motives stems from his upbringing during the Cold War and his experiences with the ill-fated U.S. involvement in Vietnam. He cited Bob Dylan’s song “Masters of War” as an awakening moment, where he realized the existence of a military-industrial-congressional complex that profits from war. Despite no longer having control over his namesake company, Cohen remains committed to political protest and activism.
In fact, Cohen was recently arrested outside the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., while protesting the detainment of Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks. Cohen, along with a woman holding a “Free Assange” sign, blocked the entrance to the building. Images from the scene captured Cohen being led away in handcuffs by Department of Homeland Security officers.
It is important to note that Ben & Jerry’s has long been known for its socially and politically conscious stance. The company has actively supported causes such as climate change, racial justice, and criminal justice reform. While Cohen’s personal views may not necessarily reflect the official stance of the company, his outspokenness highlights the brand’s commitment to progressive values.
FOX Business reporters, including Anders Hagstrom, David Spunt, Jake Gibson, and Brandon Gillespie, contributed to this report.
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