diff --git a/src/goto-programs/json_goto_trace.cpp b/src/goto-programs/json_goto_trace.cpp
index 46b761530c1..459adacfb67 100644
--- a/src/goto-programs/json_goto_trace.cpp
+++ b/src/goto-programs/json_goto_trace.cpp
@@ -132,9 +132,6 @@ void convert_decl(
   }
   else
   {
-    DATA_INVARIANT(
-      step.full_lhs_value.is_not_nil(),
-      "full_lhs_value in assignment must not be nil");
     full_lhs_value = json(step.full_lhs_value, ns, ID_unknown);
   }