Ben Cohen arrested for protesting against RFK Jr during Senate hearing

On May 15, 2025, Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, was among seven people arrested at the United States Capitol during a Senate hearing where Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was testifying. The hearing focused on the alignment of the agency's 2026 budget with President Donald Trump's priorities but was quickly interrupted by protesters. These individuals, including Cohen, shouted repeated phrases accusing Kennedy of killing people 'with hate,' disrupting his opening statement and resulting in chaos in the room. Subsequently, Capitol Police intervened and removed the protesters, leading to several arrests, including Cohen, who faced charges for obstruction of the hearing. This incident highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding Kennedy's leadership at HHS, particularly as he addressed significant public health issues and budgetary reforms. Cohen's protest was not an isolated event; he had previously been arrested during demonstrations in Washington, D.C., showcasing his continued advocacy for progressive causes. The disruption not only paused the Senate proceedings but also sparked commentary from both attendees and media, labeling the incident as a significant moment in political activism. Following the protest, Cohen's actions drew attention to the broader implications of government policies and the passionate responses they can elicit from the public, especially regarding controversial figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who are positioned at the intersection of health and public interest issues.