PULSE POINTS:
❓What Happened: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson faced accusations of racism from a reporter during a press conference, following a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into the city’s hiring practices.
👥 Who’s Involved: Mayor Brandon Johnson, independent reporter William J. Kelly, and the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
📍 Where & When: Chicago, Illinois; DOJ investigation announced Monday; press conference held Tuesday morning.
💬 Key Quote: “Real Chicagoans want to know: why are you a racist?” – William J. Kelly.
⚠️ Impact: The DOJ investigation could significantly affect the city’s hiring policies and political discourse around racial issues in Chicago.
HOLY SHLIT
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson just got called out TO HIS FACE about his racist treatment of white residents pic.twitter.com/SCQx61O1Lh
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) May 21, 2025
IN FULL:
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson faced pointed accusations of racism during a press conference on Tuesday, as the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) launched an investigation into the city’s hiring practices for potential violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division announced Monday that it would examine whether Chicago’s employment practices reflect a “pattern or practice of racial discrimination.” The investigation appears to have been prompted by Johnson’s recent remarks emphasizing his preference for hiring black people.
“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.’ 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. I don’t know too many cultures that have play cousins,” Johnson had said.
Independent journalist and former political candidate William J. Kelly confronted Johnson at the press event, accusing the mayor of engaging in divisive racial rhetoric. “Real Chicagoans woke up this morning relieved that the Department of Justice is finally investigating your race hustle,” Kelly said. He described Johnson’s remarks as “embarrassing and dangerous” for the city.
When pressed by Kelly with the blunt question, “Why are you a racist?” Johnson rejected the premise entirely. “Well, you know, first of all, I reject the idea and the premise that, somehow, that that’s an actual, legitimate question,” Johnson responded.
Kelly followed up, asking what the mayor would say to those who perceive him as racist. Johnson reiterated his dismissal of the question, stating, “Again, I reject the premise that, somehow, that your question has any legitimacy. Thank you for your time.”
The DOJ investigation could lead to significant changes in city policies, depending on its findings.