The Department of Justice has now reportedly initiated an investigation into far-left Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, focusing on allegations of racial discrimination in his hiring practices.
This probe marks a significant move by the Trump administration, which has increasingly targeted liberal cities.
The announcement came from Harmeet Dhillon, an assistant attorney general, following remarks made by Johnson during a speech at a Woodlawn church.
In his address, Johnson highlighted the number of Black employees he has appointed to his administration, asserting that such hiring practices reflect his commitment to inclusivity.
“There are some detractors that will push back on me and say, ‘The only thing the mayor talks about is the hiring of Black people,’” he stated. “What I’m saying is when you hire our people, we always look out for everybody else.”
Dhillon’s decision to launch the investigation stems from concerns that Johnson’s comments may indicate a pattern of discrimination that could violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
“Considering these remarks, I have authorized an investigation to determine whether the City of Chicago is engaged in a pattern of practice of discrimination,” Dhillon said.
This inquiry is the latest chapter in a broader pattern of federal scrutiny directed at liberal urban administrations.
Earlier this year, the DOJ filed a lawsuit against Chicago and the state of Illinois over local “sanctuary” laws that, according to the administration, impede federal immigration enforcement.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has denied any wrongdoing, arguing that the state’s policies are designed to protect public safety rather than obstruct federal law.
Critics of the DOJ’s actions suggest that this investigation is politically motivated, aimed at undermining Johnson’s administration and furthering a narrative of governance failure in Democratic-led cities.
The Chicago mayor has previously faced criticism for his handling of crime and public safety, with opponents using these issues as leverage against him.
The response from local officials has been one of defiance. Pritzker’s office criticized the Trump administration for not cooperating with local law enforcement and suggested that the investigation reflects a broader strategy to intimidate and destabilize progressive leadership.
“Instead of working with us to support law enforcement, the Trump Administration is making it more difficult to protect the public,” the governor’s office stated.
As the investigation unfolds, it raises significant questions about the intersection of race, politics, and governance in American cities.
Johnson’s approach to hiring and diversity will likely be scrutinized not only in this context but also in light of the ongoing national discourse on equity and representation.
The implications of this probe could reverberate beyond Chicago, potentially influencing similar investigations in other cities governed by Democrats. As the country navigates its complex racial landscape, the outcomes of such inquiries may shape future policies and the political climate in urban America.
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