DOJ probes New York cafe chain over lawmaker boycott
Federal prosecutors examine whether political discrimination violates civil rights laws, though current statutes do not protect ideology
The United States Department of Justice has launched a civil rights investigation into Poetica Coffee, a New York-based cafe chain, following its public refusal to serve Democratic US Representative Dan Goldman. The probe was ordered by Harmeet K. Dhillon, the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, after the business announced on social media that Goldman was not welcome due to his support for Israel.
Dhillon, a Trump appointee, stated on X that the chain’s actions were “potentially illegal” and confirmed that the Civil Rights Division would pursue enforcement action if warranted. The investigation follows posts from Poetica Coffee, which has seven branches in Brooklyn and the East Village, declaring that it does not serve “genocide enablers.”
The dispute began after Goldman visited a Poetica Coffee location in Brooklyn with his daughter. The chain subsequently posted images of the visit on Facebook and Instagram, stating, “Do you see how it doesn’t taste like genocide juice?” The business refunded Goldman’s $9.82 purchase and instructed him never to return, citing his political stance as incompatible with their values.
Federal and New York state laws prohibit businesses from refusing service based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, sex, and national origin. However, these anti-discrimination protections do not currently extend to political belief or ideology. It remains unclear on what legal basis the Justice Department could take enforcement action against the chain, given that Goldman’s exclusion was based on his political views rather than a protected class.
Goldman, who identifies as a “proud Zionist,” faced the incident with a call for perspective on public discourse. In an interview with CNN, he stated he did not believe the chain should be investigated, suggesting that DOJ resources be directed toward anti-Semitism cases affecting individuals without a political platform.
The congressman is currently facing a primary challenge from Brad Lander, a vocal critic of Israel. Goldman has received nearly $195,000 in campaign donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and affiliated groups in the current election cycle. While he has described the situation in Gaza as “horrific” and called for an end to fighting, he has denied that Israel is committing genocide and has criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government as “extremist.”
Poetica Coffee founder Parviz Mukhamadkulov did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the investigation. The Justice Department has not specified the timeline for its review or whether it intends to pursue formal charges against the business.
