South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has sharply criticized Ben & Jerry's for their Independence Day statement advocating for the return of Mount Rushmore land to Indigenous peoples. The ice cream company's tweet, which called for the return of "stolen indigenous land," sparked controversy and drew a strong rebuke from the governor.
In an interview on Fox & Friends, Governor Noem defended the historical monument, emphasizing its significance as a symbol of American freedom and a source of national inspiration. She dismissed Ben & Jerry's comments, characterizing the company's leadership as "liberal Vermont businessmen" who lack a proper understanding of American history.
Governor Noem highlighted the importance of learning from the figures represented on Mount Rushmore, acknowledging their leadership during difficult periods in American history. She stressed the monument's value in providing inspiration and promoting national pride.
Ben & Jerry's Independence Day message ignited a backlash, with many criticizing the company's stance as divisive and historically inaccurate. The company's subsequent article elaborating on their position argued that Mount Rushmore's land was stolen from the Sioux tribe, citing a 1980 Supreme Court ruling that awarded the tribe $105 million in damages, which they refused.
The ice cream company's statement asserted that the figures depicted on Mount Rushmore actively worked to undermine Indigenous cultures and deny Native Americans their fundamental rights. They called for a broader acknowledgment of the historical context surrounding the nation's founding and the impact on Indigenous populations.
