The U.S. Department of Justice on Monday launched a civil rights investigation to determine whether Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson discriminated by favoring Black candidates for leadership positions in his administration.

According to the Washington Examiner, the probe will examine whether Johnson's comments and decisions violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by establishing a racially discriminatory pattern in city hiring.

Authorized by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, the investigation stems from growing scrutiny over race-conscious public hiring under the Trump administration. Justice officials sent a letter to the mayor’s office on May 19 requesting cooperation in assessing the scope, schedule, and legality of Johnson’s hiring efforts.

Mayor’s recent speech draws federal interest

The DOJ's investigation follows remarks the Chicago mayor made at the Apostolic Church of God in the Woodlawn neighborhood on May 18. During his speech, Johnson listed several high-profile Black staffers in his administration, citing their leadership roles and emphasizing their shared racial background.

In his speech, Johnson emphasized that Chicago’s chief operations officer, budget director, and one of his senior advisers are all Black, presenting these appointments as proof of his dedication to inclusive governance and the city’s long-term growth. However, federal officials referenced these remarks in a letter expressing concern that race may be influencing hiring decisions, with the DOJ particularly interested in whether similar practices are affecting appointments at lower levels of city employment.

Justice Department outlines its authority and concerns

The letter made clear the agency is seeking to determine if race was the sole basis for certain hiring decisions, which would be inconsistent with federal civil rights protections. Under Title VII, employers are prohibited from making employment decisions based on race, among other characteristics.

“If these kinds of hiring decisions are being made for top-level positions,” the DOJ letter stated, “then it begs the question whether such decisions are also being made for lower-level positions.” Investigators are looking to identify any patterns or practices that could amount to systemic discrimination.

Officials emphasized the inquiry was being launched without presuming wrongdoing, promising a fair and thorough review of all relevant materials. The letter was also copied to high-level civil rights officials within the DOJ, as well as leadership at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Mayor Johnson defends diversity efforts

In response to the investigation, Johnson and his team have stood by the diversity of his administration. His spokesperson told CBS News that the hiring reflects the city’s racial makeup and values and criticized what they described as a lack of commitment to equity by federal authorities under the current administration.

The spokesperson stated, “Mayor Johnson is proud to have the most diverse administration in the history of our city,” adding that, “our administration reflects the diversity and values of Chicago.” Johnson has argued that uplifting Black leadership contributes to better governance for all residents. During his church remarks, he explained that “when you hire our people, we always look out for everybody else,” describing Black Americans as “the most generous people on the planet.”

Political context surrounds the investigation

This inquiry is one of several recent federal efforts targeting policies that reference race in employment and public programs. These developments follow a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that banned affirmative action in college admissions, which has reverberated into employment law and diversity initiatives.

Legal advocates from conservative groups, including America First Legal, founded by former Trump adviser Stephen Miller, have filed lawsuits in recent months, aiming to dismantle corporate and government DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs. These groups argue that such policies unlawfully prioritize race over merit.

Further advancing this shift, former President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14281 in April 2025, instructing federal agencies to eliminate disparate-impact enforcement and focus only on cases of intentional discrimination. The order also directs the EEOC to promote “merit-based” employment across the public sector.

Probe reflects shifting federal priorities under Trump

Assistant Attorney General Dhillon’s authorization of the Chicago investigation signals the DOJ’s commitment to enforcing the new executive order and checking any government hiring models perceived as racially biased. The department has stated that its goal is equal opportunity without racial favoritism.

In the May 19 letter, the DOJ reiterated that while no final determination had been made, the statements from Mayor Johnson suggested enough cause to examine whether racial preference unlawfully influenced staffing decisions. The agency maintains the investigation is impartial and based on existing civil rights law. Whether or not the inquiry ultimately finds Title VII violations will likely depend on evidence of how hiring decisions were made behind the scenes, not solely by public rhetoric