Mayor responds to DOJ investigation into city’s hiring practices, issues harsh rebuke of Trump administration

CHICAGO (WGN) — Mayor Brandon Johnson has responded to the US Department of Justice’s announcement Monday that it’s investigating whether the City of Chicago has made hiring decisions based on race under Johnson’s administration.

During his weekly media briefing Tuesday morning, the mayor issued a harsh rebuke of the Trump administration, saying it “reflects the country club,” and railed against the implication that he’s hired Black or other minority candidates for city positions based on race.

Johnson said he’s “not surprised” by the DOJ’s announcement of an investigation, comparing the diversity and qualifications of his administration to those of Trump’s administration.

“I’m very proud of the fact that we have one of the most, if not the most diverse administration in the history of Chicago,” Johnson said. “What’s clear is is that not only does the Trump administration not respect the rule of law or what’s sensible about our society, you would be hard-pressed to find qualified officials who are in his administration.

“My administration reflects the country, reflects the city. His administration reflects the country club.”

Johnson went on to say his administration would “remain firm and steadfast in our commitment to ensure that the incredible, diverse talent in our administration continues to lead us toward the safest, most affordable big city in America. We’re not going to shy away or apologize for who we are.”

“It’s clear that (the Trump) administration does not respect the rule of law,” the mayor said. “It’s also clear that (the Trump) administration is more interested in creating division within our country, while we are being inclusive.”

Comments made in church

At issue are comments Johnson made Sunday at the Apostolic Church of God in Woodlawn. Addressing the Black church, Johnson listed Black officials serving in his administration.

Among the statements that caught the justice department’s attention, according to a letter sent to Johnson by Asst. Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon:

• “… Business and Economic Neighborhood Development, the deputy mayor is a Black woman.”
• “… Department of Planning and Development is a Black woman.”
• “… infrastructure, deputy mayor is a Black woman.”
• “… Chief operations officer is a Black man.”
• “… Budget director is a Black woman.”
• “… Senior advisor is a Black man.”

Johnson, in his Sunday conversation with Pastor Dr. Byron T. Brazier, was speaking of the increased diversity in his administration compared to his predecessors.

“There are some detractors who will push back on me and say, ‘You know, the only thing the mayor talks about is the hiring of Black people.’ No. What I’m saying is when you hire our people, we always look out for everybody else. We are the most generous people on the planet,” the mayor said.

“I’m laying that out because when you ask how do we ensure that our people get a chance to grow their business, having people in my administration that will look out for the interest of everyone —and everyone means you have to look out for the interest of Black folks, because that hasn’t happened —that’s how we ensure long-term sustainable growth.”

The comments set off a social media firestorm, catching the attention of conservative commentators and media and prompting justice officials to open an investigation into whether the Johnson administration may have violated Title 7 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

In the letter, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division writes:

“When the Attorney General has reasonable cause to believe that a state or local government employer is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination in violation of Title VII, it is the Attorney General’s responsibility to take appropriate action to elimination the violation, including seeking injunctive relief.

“… Our investigation is based on information suggesting you made hiring decisions solely on the basis of race.”

The mayor released 2025 data showing the breakdown of employee race and ethnicities inside his office: 34% of employees are Black, 30% are White and 24% are Hispanic, while 7% are Asian and 5% are two or more ethnicities.

The Justice Department notes that it has not reached any conclusions, but it wants to learn more about the city’s hiring decisions.

Following WGN News’ request for comment, the mayor’s office issued a statement Monday:

“Mayor Johnson is proud to have the most diverse administration in the history of our city. Our administration reflects the diversity and values of Chicago. Unfortunately, the current federal administration does not reflect either. We are aware of the letter issued by the Department of Justice, but are awaiting the official receipt of the letter. Our Corporation Counsel will review it at that time.”

Meanwhile, one of the mayor’s frequent critics, Ald. Ray Lopez (15th Ward), said the DOJ investigation could’ve been avoided.

“The mayor literally just gave Donald Trump yet another political gift here to use against the City of Chicago with regards to his remarks,” Lopez said. “I think that he’s definitely opened us up to some interpretations of the law.”

‘Jim Crow DOJ investigation’

Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates also issued a strongly-worded statement Tuesday morning, calling the probe into the city’s hiring practices a “Jim Crow DOJ investigation.”

Gates’ statement reads:

“The president who sees no problem allegedly assaulting women or publicly accepting bribes is using the division of government meant to protect our civil rights to police Black public servants instead.

“The families Black Chicagoans come from didn’t flee the Jim Crow South to have a White House reinstate it in 2025 nationwide.

“People of our city no matter their race should be proud of the progress this administration has made in crafting a representative government instead of one built on patronage or corporate influence.

“It’s obvious that those who attack Black excellence do so because they pale in comparison.

Jim Crow and the Klan ended our country’s first reconstruction. Reagan and the backlash reacted to the second. Our generation is being tasked with leading the third reconstruction and Donald Trump and his cronies will not be the ones to turn us back now.“