Sen. Mike Lee accuses Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson of illegal race-based hiring as DOJ launches civil rights investigation.

Federal Scrutiny Follows Mayor’s Remarks on Diversity

U.S. Senator Mike Lee has publicly condemned Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for comments that he says indicate racially discriminatory hiring practices. The criticism comes as the Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into the city’s hiring decisions under Johnson’s administration.

The probe was prompted by statements Mayor Johnson made during a conversation with Dr. Byron T. Brazier, pastor of the Apostolic Church of God, in which he emphasized prioritizing Black representation within his administration. Johnson said, “When you ask how do we ensure that our people get a chance to grow their business... you have to look out for the interests of Black folks.”

According to a letter from Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, the investigation is examining whether hiring decisions in Chicago are being made “solely on the basis of race.” The letter makes clear that the department has not yet reached any conclusions regarding the legality of the city’s policies.

Political Backlash Intensifies

Sen. Lee, a Republican from Utah, expressed his disapproval in a series of posts on X, formerly Twitter. “Racial discrimination is illegal,” Lee stated. He accused Johnson of “breaking the law and bragging about it,” adding that the mayor is now targeting President Donald Trump “because his administration won’t tolerate that.”

Mayor Johnson had recently criticized Trump in strong terms, describing him as “a monster” and accusing him of harboring “animus towards women, people of color, [and] working people.” Johnson claimed Trump was “threatened” by the diversity in Chicago’s government.

“We have always known who he has been,” Johnson said. “This is not a surprise. He’s a monster, period. We have the most diverse administration in the history of Chicago, and he is threatened by that.”

Neither the White House nor Mayor Johnson’s press office responded to requests for comment by the time of publication.

The DOJ’s investigation could have significant implications for municipal hiring practices and equal opportunity policies in major U.S. cities. While Johnson’s remarks were framed around fostering inclusive growth, federal authorities are evaluating whether his administration’s actions amount to unlawful racial preference.

The outcome of the investigation may impact not only Chicago’s leadership but also broader debates on diversity, equity, and legal boundaries in public sector employment. No timeline for the conclusion of the probe has been announced.