Levi Strauss Heir Dan Goldman Distances Himself From Pro-Israel Wife's Social Media Activity

The Democratic congressman faced backlash from left-wing activists over his wife's support for Israel and criticism of Hamas.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY), the Levi Strauss heir and former lead counsel in Donald Trump's first impeachment, has distanced himself from his wife Corinne's social media activity that was critical of Hamas and supportive of Israel. Left-wing activists in Goldman's Manhattan district circulated screenshots of Corinne's posts, which they claimed showed Goldman's own anti-Palestinian views, putting him at odds with the district's growing anti-Israel sentiment.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights the political minefield that pro-Israel Democrats must navigate, especially in districts where hostility toward Israel has become a litmus test. Goldman faces a tough primary challenge from a critic of Israel, and distancing himself from his wife's views was seen as necessary to maintain credibility with the district's progressive base.

The details

Corinne Goldman 'liked' several social media posts in the aftermath of a Hamas terrorist attack in October 2023, including a meme mocking the slogan 'Jews for Palestine' and posts suggesting Western activists who support Hamas should move to Gaza. Left-wing activists seized on these posts, arguing they revealed Dan Goldman's own anti-Palestinian views, which they say conflict with the values of his district that includes parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn.

  • In October 2023, a Hamas terrorist attack prompted Corinne Goldman's social media activity that later caused controversy.
  • The screenshots of Corinne's social media posts were circulated by left-wing activists in Goldman's district in early 2026, ahead of a tough Democratic primary.

The players

Dan Goldman

A Democratic congressman representing parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn, and the former lead counsel in Donald Trump's first impeachment. He is the heir to the Levi Strauss fortune.

Corinne Levy Goldman

The wife of Rep. Dan Goldman, who faced backlash over her social media activity that was critical of Hamas and supportive of Israel.

Brad Lander

A former New York City comptroller who is challenging Dan Goldman in the Democratic primary, and is an outspoken critic of Israel.

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What they’re saying

“Like most married couples, my wife and I do not always share the same views, and any tweets she has liked as a private citizen do not speak for me. As an elected official and public figure, my record, votes and public statements are the only reflection of my beliefs.”

— Dan Goldman, Congressman (New York Times)

What’s next

The controversy is expected to be a major issue in the Democratic primary, as Goldman's opponent Brad Lander seeks to capitalize on the district's growing anti-Israel sentiment.

The takeaway

The episode highlights the political risks for pro-Israel Democrats, especially in districts where hostility toward Israel has become a litmus test for progressive voters. Goldman's distancing from his wife's views illustrates the difficult balancing act such lawmakers must perform to maintain credibility with their base.