The Democratic Socialists of America has been awarded $5.2 million in a court dispute over the will of NYU professor David Greenberg, who died in July 2024. A judge found DSA to be the appropriate successor to the New American Movement and entitled to the bulk of Greenberg’s retirement account, while a separate $1.3 million account went to his estate without dispute. The ruling coincides with reported membership growth and recent electoral gains by DSA-backed candidates; the organization has not disclosed how it will use the funds.
DSA Awarded $5.2M in Inheritance Dispute Over NYU Professor’s Retirement Account
On Inauguration Day on Jan. 20, 2025, Democratic Socialists of America members marched in Washington, D.C., carrying signs that said, "SOCIALISM BEATS FASCISM," equating the incoming Trump administration to "fascism."
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has been awarded $5.2 million in a legal dispute over the will of New York University professor David Greenberg, according to a recent court filing. The sum represents a substantial infusion for the organization — roughly equivalent to nearly a full year of revenue based on DSA's publicly available tax filings.
Background
David Greenberg, a sociology professor who died in July 2024, directed in his will that the balance of his NYU retirement account be transferred to the New American Movement, a defunct left-wing activist group, or to “any successor thereof.” Historical records show the New American Movement merged with the Democratic Socialist Organizing Committee in 1982 to form the organization now known as the Democratic Socialists of America.
The Legal Challenge
Greenberg’s nephew, Martin Hecht, filed suit in April 2025 contesting the transfer. Hecht argued DSA had not filed the necessary paperwork to qualify as the legal successor to the New American Movement and also criticized New York University for allegedly failing in its fiduciary duty to ensure Greenberg’s will accurately reflected his intentions.
The presiding judge ultimately ruled in favor of the DSA, awarding the organization $5.2 million. Court filings show a separate account valued at approximately $1.3 million was transferred to Greenberg’s estate without dispute.
Political Context and Timing
The award arrives as DSA-backed candidates have recorded a string of recent victories and as the group reports membership growth. The article notes demonstrations on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2025, in which DSA members carried signs reading "SOCIALISM BEATS FASCISM."
Reports in the article link the organization’s recent political momentum to several primary and local election successes and to membership growth reported at about 120,000. How DSA plans to deploy the inheritance has not been disclosed.
How the Funds Might Be Used
Past tax filings and public activity suggest likely uses: funding advertising to support endorsed candidates, distributing resources to local chapters and allied groups, and financing community mobilization and messaging campaigns. The organization has previously prioritized candidate support, recruitment efforts and local organizing in its spending.
Neither the Democratic Socialists of America nor Martin Hecht’s attorneys responded to requests for comment, according to the filing that reported the decision.
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