A Unilever executive barred Ben & Jerry's from issuing the post because it mentioned "Donald Trump," the filing said. Stever, the chief executive, was chastised in his 2025 performance review for "repeatedly acquiesce(ing) to the demands of the Independent Social Mission Board" and letting Ben & Jerry's post the group's statements, the filing said. The accusations by Ben & Jerry's and its independent board members come as corporations are retreating from diversity, equity and inclusion goals, and as the Trump administration has begun dismantling federal DEI policies and programs. Unilever in 2024 said it would spin off its ice cream business, including Ben & Jerry's.