Dan Goldman looks to be 'the man in the arena' against Trump

Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) wasn’t planning to run for Congress after his stint as the lead counsel on President Trump’s first impeachment.

If anything, spending months as a staffer had discouraged him from seeking office, even as he felt assured the public would weigh details unearthed during Trump’s impeachment trial as they decided whether to return him to the White House.

“I had hoped that Joe Biden would win and that Donald Trump would ride his golf cart into the sunset,” Goldman said.

Instead, Trump denied his 2020 election defeat and a mob of his supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol — events that inspired Goldman’s run for office in 2022.

“I'm somebody who lives by the Teddy Roosevelt quote that it is better to be the man in the arena than the person outside, criticizing the man in the arena,” he said.

With Trump back in the White House for a second term, Goldman is now going deeper into the arena.

In a little more than a month in office, Trump has fired 18 inspectors general, threatened to defy a court order, overseen the gutting of agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development, fired scores of federal workers and vowed to take over various other countries.

The House Judiciary Committee is sure to be the epicenter of activity in hashing out partisan battles over the wisdom and legality of Trump’s actions. And it's one Democratic leadership has stocked with new faces.

Goldman is one of a trio of first-term lawmakers who followed Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) from the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to the Judiciary panel as he took over as ranking member this year.

Reps. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) and Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) were also seen as effective voices for Democrats as they confronted the GOP investigation into the Biden family.

Moskowitz frequently used humor to needle Oversight Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) and GOP witnesses, while Crockett gained prominence for her unique blend of well-placed one-liners and well-timed clashes with some of Congress’s most notable conservatives.

Goldman’s niche in that group was different: He was the lawyerly one.

It wasn’t that the others don’t have law degrees — they do — but Goldman’s approach, by his own admission, mirrors the way the former prosecutor would dive into cross-examination when he worked in the Southern District of New York.

“I may be Pollyanna-ish, but I do believe that the American people ultimately can see through misinformation, and if provided with credible facts and evidence, can understand what the truth is. And I view that to be my role on the committee is to use my experience in cross-examination to question Republican witnesses and to expose them when they don't tell the truth,” he said.

“And that is certainly what I intend to do on the Judiciary Committee.”

That task appears more daunting than ever.

Democrats pushed to make the 2024 race a referendum on what they said was the risk Trump posed to democracy, highlighting both his efforts to thwart the peaceful transfer of power in 2021 and their concerns he might blow past guardrails imposing limits on presidential power if elected a second time.

But many voters either downplayed those warnings or rejected them outright.

To Goldman, the challenge is to find a way to make that resonate with the same people that cast aside those concerns just months ago.

“We did not do a good enough job in connecting that to people's everyday lives. And I think there were a lot of voters who said, ‘Yes, that is a concern, but it's simply just not a concern I can afford to focus on right now. And I have to figure out how I'm going to pay for groceries, rent, and health care this month. I can't bother focusing on the possibility that a corrupt president usurps power for his own benefit,’” he said.

The heir to the Levi Strauss fortune pointed to Trump’s directive to freeze all federal grants and other government spending — risking upending funding for things like health care services, child care, and food stamps.

“Our task is to connect the lawlessness to everyday lives,” he said.

It’s one that is quite literally keeping him up at night.

Asked about the mental toll it takes to be in the arena at a time when Democrats deem the president to be a threat to America’s democratic traditions, Goldman paused before acknowledging it’s had an impact.

“The hardest part is being present for my family and my kids when I'm with them, because it is all consuming to be thinking about and strategizing about everything that is going on. And I feel a tremendous responsibility to stand up for everyday Americans against what is an administration that wants to use the government to benefit the wealthy,” said Goldman, a father of five.

“The way that I often deal with a lot of the emotional aspect of this is to channel that into action. But that is all consuming. And I am not sleeping that well. I'm waking up in the night thinking about different angles to expose the lawlessness, different things that we can do in the minority where we have very little power to push back and to stop what I think is incredibly dangerous for our entire country.”

Though largely optimistic about his ability to do so, Goldman wavered at some points.

Americans remain as divided as ever, including in how they get their information and who they trust.

The fractured media landscape means a growing number of Americans are turning to social media, where misinformation abounds, and a growing right-wing media market has drawn viewers from other sources.

“I worry that we're in a post-factual world,” he said.

“And part of what I am intent on doing is continuing to bring up the facts with the hope that they will matter.”

That leaves Goldman hammering Trump on the president's promises to lower prices while looking down the road at confrontations yet to be had.

“The reality is that I — over the last five years, starting with impeachment — I probably know Donald Trump as well as anyone on the Democratic side,” he said.

“Part of being a prosecutor and being a trial lawyer is learning how to think several steps ahead. And by now I really understand how Donald Trump operates. I understand his MO, and I use a lot of that experience of thinking several steps ahead to be more strategic about how we're going to fight him and not necessarily chasing every outrage, every outrageous thing he says.”

But for someone who has seen so much of his time in Congress defined by impeachment — either as impeachment counsel or combating the GOP probe into Biden — Goldman does not see impeachment as inevitable.

“I think Donald Trump has already broken the law, and I do think it's inevitable that he will — and is — trying to usurp all of the power of the federal government for his own personal revenge and retribution and his own personal interests. And invariably, there will be numerous abuses of power that make the Ukraine conduct seem quaint,” Goldman said.

“The question that we will have to decide on is: What is the best strategy to use to hold him accountable? And it's not clear to me, right now, that impeachment is the best strategy.”

Trump has already survived two impeachments — efforts ultimately quashed by Senate Republicans and rejected by an electorate that just put him back in power.

And while Trump was convicted on 34 counts in his New York hush money case, his federal cases unraveled in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision determining former presidents still retain broad immunity, raising questions about the extent the courts will rebuff unlawful actions taken by Trump or his administration.

To Goldman, that means Republicans will have to play a key role in holding Trump accountable.

“Donald Trump is effectively trying to co-opt all of Congress's power … and we will certainly aggressively do everything we can to push back on his excessive power grab,” Goldman said of Democrats.

“But ultimately, if Congress is going to have any power or any authority, the Republican members of Congress are going to have to stand up for the institution and for the Constitution, which means they are going to have to stand up to Donald Trump,” he added.

“I am not optimistic that the Republicans who have so consistently bent the knee to Donald Trump will do that, but that is really the primary way — the only way — for Congress to properly execute its role.”

Topics

Macron to warn Trump against looking weak to Putin

The French president is at the White House to appeal to Trump against rushing into a deal with Russia.
BBC News - 22h
Trump announces Dan Bongino as Deputy FBI Director

President Trump announced Sunday that he would be choosing radio and podcast host Dan Bongino, a longtime Trump ally, as the deputy FBI director. “Great news for Law Enforcement and American ...
The Hill - 1d
Trump taps Dan Bongino to be deputy FBI director

President Donald Trump announced that he has selected conservative commentator and former Fox News host Dan Bongino to serve as deputy FBI director. The position does not require Senate confirmation.
NBC News - 22h
Trump’s Frustration With Generals Led to Picking Dan Caine for Joint Chiefs Chairman

Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, a retired three-star Air Force officer, quickly moved up the list of candidates to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The New York Times - 1d
Conservative podcaster Dan Bongino tapped for Trump's deputy FBI director

President Donald Trump announced the selection of conservative commentator and former Fox News host Dan Bongino to serve as deputy FBI director.
NBC News - 1d
Trump names conservative podcaster Dan Bongino as FBI deputy director

Selection of former Secret Service agent and author means two staunch Trump allies lead the principal federal law enforcement agency. Dan Bongino, a former US Secret Service agent who has written ...
The Guardian - 1d
Trump Announces Dan Bongino, a Right-Wing Commentator, as FBI Deputy Director

The choice of Dan Bongino is a radical departure from the bureau’s history of having a veteran agent serve in the key role that oversees operations.
The New York Times - 22h
Democrats slam incoming FBI deputy director, Trump ally Dan Bongino

Dan Bongino, the former Secret Service agent turned Fox News host and conservative podcast personality, is set to be the next deputy director of the FBI.
ABC News - 15h
Democratic governors push back against Trump

With Democrats in the minority in Washington, D.C., it could be up to governors to mount the party's opposition to President Trump's agenda. Ofirah Yheskel, director of external affairs for the ...
CBS News - 4d
What is educational redlining and why is Trump against it?

Geographic assignment forces American families to “pay” for access to local public schools via their mortgages.
The Hill - 3d
PGA Tour and LIV Golf Look for Merger Deal Under Trump

A tie-up involving the tour and LIV Golf was stalled under President Biden. They’re aiming to forge a new agreement under President Trump.
The New York Times - 6d
Trump Ukraine policy looks like an episode of 'The Sopranos': Democratic rep

Democratic Rep. Jim Himes (Conn.) says President Trump's push for Ukraine's rare earths and minerals amid the nation's war with Russia feels like an extortion plotline out of "The Sopranos." Himes ...
The Hill - 22h
Dan Caine, Trump’s Joint Chiefs Pick, Had Unusual Path to Top Ranks

The general made an impression in 2018 when he said, according to the president, that the Islamic State could be defeated in a week.
The New York Times - 3d
What to know about Dan Caine, Trump’s pick to lead Joint Chiefs of Staff

President Trump ousted Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr., a President Biden appointee, who served as the U.S. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Friday. “I want to thank General Charles ‘CQ’ Brown ...
The Hill - 2d
Trump 2nd term live updates: Dan Bongino named as deputy FBI director

President Donald Trump's administration is continuing its radical effort to cut much of the federal government and make sweeping changes.
ABC News - 1d
Trump Dismantles Government Fight Against Foreign Influence Operations

Dozens of employees who had been working to fight foreign interference in U.S. elections have been reassigned or forced out, according to current and former officials.
The New York Times - 4d
Democrat Crockett 'rooting' for Mexico, Canada against Trump: 'It's really wild'

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) said Friday she is "rooting" for Canada and Mexico because they are standing up to President Trump. "They are really the ones that are speaking truth to power right ...
The Hill - 3d
Frustrated Democrats Urge Leaders to Show More Fight Against Trump

Voters, activists and even some governors, like Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, are growing exasperated with congressional Democrats’ restrained approach.
The New York Times - 3d
GOP's Lawler breaks with Trump on Zelensky, advises against public spat

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) broke with President Trump over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday and advised against a public spat between the two leaders. “Are you disturbed at all by ...
The Hill - 1d
Boosted by Musk and Trump, German far-right party looks likely to make historic gains

It is a pivotal moment for Germany's far-right AfD ahead of national elections Sunday. The party is polling at 21% — likely enough for second place.
NBC News - 3d
Look at Donald Trump and his gang of broligarchs – and tell me we don’t need a wealth tax | Brian Cox

I played a fictional billionaire on TV. It’s time world leaders got serious about taxing the real ones. Brian Cox played Logan Roy in HBO’s Succession and is a supporter of Patriotic Millionaires ...
The Guardian - 5h
Trump calls US hockey team ahead of 4 Nations Face-Off final against Canada

President Donald Trump has called the U.S. hockey team to wish players good luck ahead of their 4 Nations Face-Off final against Canada
ABC News - 4d
Democrats and former defense officials rail against 'pure pettiness' of Trump Pentagon firings

Democrat lawmakers and former national security leaders are furious over President Trump’s Friday night massacre of top Pentagon leadership, which they warned was a dangerous polarization of the ...
The Hill - 2d
Macron warns against ‘surrender’ in Ukraine as Trump claims Putin will accept peacekeeper deal

Macron and Trump disagree over aid and securing a lasting peace after US president says Russian counterpart has ‘no problem’ with European forces in Ukraine. . Emmanuel Macron, the French ...
The Guardian - 9h
Dan Bongino tapped for FBI deputy director

The selection places two staunch Trump allies atop the nation's premier federal law enforcement agency at a time when Democrats are concerned that the president could seek to target his adversaries
CBS News - 1d
Dan Bongino named FBI deputy director

Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and conservative pundit, will be the new FBI deputy director. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports.
CBS News - 20h
The implications of Dan Bongino's appointment as FBI deputy director

FBI Director Kash Patel promised sweeping changes at the agency, and it appears those changes are here. President Trump has tapped Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent turned right-wing ...
CBS News - 14h
What to look out for in MLS this season

BBC Sport looks at some of the main talking points as the 2025 Major League Soccer campaign kicks off this weekend.
BBC News - 3d
How Dan Bongino Went From Infowars to FBI Deputy Director

Dan Bongino rose through the ranks of right-wing media thanks to his unflinching loyalty to Donald Trump and willingness to push baseless conspiracies—including about the FBI.
Wired - 16h
Dan Bongino's yearslong history of FBI criticism and conspiracy theories

Dan Bongino, the conservative podcaster named deputy director of the FBI, has spent the past seven years publicly criticizing the agency he will now help run.
NBC News - 13h
Critics say Dan Bongino's appointment could threaten independence of FBI

President Trump has chosen another supporter in the media for a key position. Dan Bongino will be deputy director of the FBI, with no Senate confirmation necessary. Scott MacFarlane has more.
CBS News - 12h
What to know about Dan Bongino, the FBI's new deputy director

President Trump has named a former Secret Service agent and conservative podcaster as the new deputy director of the FBI. Dan Bongino will serve second in command to director Kash Patel. CBS News ...
CBS News - 12h
Semona leads Stonehill against Wagner

Stonehill Skyhawks (14-13, 6-6 NEC) at Wagner Seahawks (12-13, 4-8 NEC) Staten Island, New York; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Stonehill visits Wagner after Louie Semona scored 30 points in ...
ABC News - 6d
Street Style Look of the Week: Travel Outfits

Vacationers’ polished attire recalled the glamour of early jet-age travel.
The New York Times - 6d
Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend

David Moyes faces a former club, Djed Spence’s difficult duel and Chris Wood could haunt his old employers. The winter arrival of Woyo Coulibaly from Parma underwhelmed Leicester fans as the ...
The Guardian - 4d
Easterby looks to new leaders for history chase

Round three of the Six Nations brings together two sides under interim management but in hugely contrasting form and mood.
BBC News - 3d
Fantasy Baseball: These pitcher ADPs look off

Ever looked at a particular fantasy baseball ADP and thought, “What’s up with this?”
Yahoo Sports - 17h
Germany looks to nuclear despite unlikely comeback

Yahoo News - 2h
The Cryptocurrency Scam That Turned a Small Town Against Itself

How did a successful, financially sophisticated banker gamble his community’s money away?
The New York Times - 6d