Staff Reports
Politics is more unpredictable than a cat on a hot tin roof, and the latest twist involves none other than Ben & Jerry’s co-founder, Ben Cohen. Known for his staunch advocacy for leftist causes, Cohen has pulled a stunning about-face by showing support for a Trump administration initiative—the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). That’s right: this is the same guy who has championed everything from progressive taxation to retribution for so-called “stolen Indigenous land,” yet, here he is, making headlines for a surprising flip alongside Elon Musk.
On the day of President Trump’s inauguration and the official unveiling of DOGE, Cohen decided to launch a meme contest titled “DOGE vs. Blob.” He announced it on social media, ostensibly to rally support for Musk’s mission to trim down the Pentagon’s enormous and often ridiculous budget. Cohen highlighted the jaw-dropping statistic of Pentagon waste, claiming taxpayer money is literally going up in smoke at alarming rates. It’s a crazy world when Cohen swerves onto a path supported by fiscal responsibility and government transparency.
The idea of Cohen, a long-standing supporter of leftist politicians like Bernie Sanders, now teaming up with Musk and veterans of the right is nothing short of astonishing. Admittedly, the Pentagon is a treasure trove of wasteful spending, and cutting the fat has historically resonated with many conservatives. However, it raises eyebrows to see left-wing financial sentiment coalesce around a common goal with figures who are staunchly right of center. This unlikely alliance reshapes the narrative—at least for a moment—casting aside political lines in service of a Herculean task: reducing wasteful government spending.
Yet, there’s a sense of skepticism lurking just beneath the surface. Cohen has always been a polarizing figure on the progressive side of politics, notorious for supporting ideologies that often clash with traditional conservative principles. While he may advocate for the efficiency of government spending today, who’s to say he won’t pivot back to his anti-establishment roots tomorrow? Encouragement from Cohen could be a double-edged sword, leaving many on the right wondering if they are helping a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Strange Bedfellows: Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Supporting the DOGEhttps://t.co/uwQrqU8PzS
— RedState (@RedState) January 22, 2025
Despite his apparent commitment to a shared goal, the broader implications of Cohen’s support warrant caution. While the push for efficiency in government is commendable, inviting someone who often espouses contradictory left-wing narratives into the fold could be problematic. Perhaps a wise approach would be to keep Cohen at arm’s length—support from outsiders can only go so far, particularly when dealing with someone whose past ideologies usually push in a different direction.
For now, it remains to be seen if this alliance will foster any tangible results, or if this is merely another fleeting moment of political theater. While the meme contest might bring a few chuckles, perhaps the real joke is on the conservatives who might take Cohen’s involvement at face value. Meanwhile, as for the ice cream itself, many conservatives might just prefer to snag a tub of something less controversial. Ben & Jerry’s may find its days of glory waning, as shoppers increasingly reach for alternatives that don’t come with a side of liberal guilt.
