Full Breakdown
Ben Cohen Unveils Controversial Statue of Donald Trump on National Mall
4/1/2026, 10:16:31 PM
Statue Critiques Trump's Missile Defense Project
Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, has installed a provocative statue on the National Mall that critiques President Donald Trump's proposed missile defense initiative, known as the "Golden Dome." The statue depicts a fearful Trump holding a hole-riddled golden dome as an umbrella, with water cascading from model intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) overhead. Cohen stated, “Well, he had it wrong. It’s really a hole in [Trump’s] dome,” emphasizing the perceived flaws in the defense project.
The statue serves as a commentary on the Golden Dome Defense Project, which aims to detect, track, and intercept incoming missiles. Critics, including Cohen, argue that the project is not only excessively costly—estimated at over $4 trillion—but also risks igniting an arms race in space. A spokesperson for the group behind the statue, Edward Erikson, noted that resources could be better allocated to support working families facing rising costs in housing, healthcare, and education.
Official Responses and Criticism
The White House has dismissed Cohen's statue as a manifestation of "Trump Derangement Syndrome," with spokesperson Davis Ingle asserting that it reflects a misguided perspective on Trump's commitment to national security. Ingle stated, “President Trump will never waver in fighting for and protecting the American people.”
Cohen, a long-time critic of Trump, was joined at the statue's unveiling by Democratic Senator Nina Turner and various national security experts. The event highlighted the statue's symbolism as a representation of a defense system that purportedly fails under real-world conditions. Cohen and his co-founder, Jerry Greenfield, have been vocal about their opposition to Trump and have faced challenges with Unilever, the parent company of Ben & Jerry’s, regarding their activism.
Background on Ben & Jerry’s Activism
Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield have a history of aligning their brand with social justice causes. Following Unilever's acquisition of Ben & Jerry's for $326 million in 2000, the founders expressed concerns about being sidelined in their activism. Greenfield resigned as an ambassador in September 2025, claiming that the company was being silenced to avoid upsetting powerful interests. Cohen has also been involved in protests against U.S. policies, including a notable incident where he was removed from a meeting featuring Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the estimated costs of the Golden Dome project vary significantly, with some analyses suggesting a potential $3.6 trillion over 20 years, the White House maintains that it could be constructed for $175 billion. This discrepancy highlights ongoing debates about the project's feasibility and implications for national security.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You’ve heard about the guy talking about the golden dome,” — Ben Cohen, Co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s
- “Trump Derangement Syndrome is a sick and incurable disease that has rotted the brains of many people,” — Davis Ingle, White House Spokesperson
- “With an estimated cost of more than $4 trillion, advocates argue that resources would be better used to help working families struggling with the rising cost of housing, health care, and education,” — Edward Erikson, Spokesperson for the statue's group
The statue, titled “A Throne Fit For A King,” features a plaque that critiques Trump's focus on remodeling the Lincoln Bathroom in the White House amid national challenges. This installation is part of a broader trend of anti-Trump art appearing near the White House, reflecting ongoing public dissent against the former president's policies and actions.
