CHICAGO (WLS) — Comments made by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson are under scrutiny and have gotten the attention of the Justice Department.
The mayor was talking about Black leaders, who make up his leadership team. That video from Sunday, has gone viral.
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During a scheduled event, Mayor Johnson addressed the civil rights investigation initiated by the Department of Justice, which followed the Trump administration’s challenge to his remarks on the city’s hiring practices.
“Our Business and Economic Neighborhood Development is headed by a Black woman,” stated Mayor Johnson. “The Department of Planning and Development is led by a Black woman, our Infrastructure Deputy Mayor is a Black woman, the Chief Operations Officer is a Black man, and our Budget Director is a Black woman, with a Senior Advisor who’s a Black man. Ensuring that my administration includes individuals who will safeguard everyone’s interests, particularly those of Black communities, is key to achieving lasting, sustainable growth.”
The mayor made that comment on Sunday while at the Apostolic Church of God on Chicago’s South Side.
He elaborated on his vision for the rest of his term, highlighting the importance of education, public safety, and equity, while showcasing the diversity within his administration.
But the Trump Administration doesn’t see it that way, suggesting that Johnson made hiring decisions solely on the basis of race.
The proof, they say, is the number of Black officials in his administration.
Tuesday morning, Mayor Johnson fired back.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke about the DOJ investigation into his administration.
“I am 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 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 individuals who are in his administration. My administration reflects the country, it reflects the city. His administration reflects the country club.”
The mayor’s office shared a breakdown of its demographics. Its data show the Johnson administration is just over a third Black with whites, Hispanics and Asians rounding out roles in the administration.
The mayor’s office says it’s awaiting official receipt of the letter.
This is the latest investigation into the mayor and the city of Chicago. The Trump administration is also suing over the city’s sanctuary policies.
Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates issued a statement saying, “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.”
READ MORE | Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson testifies in DC at sanctuary city hearing
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