CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson lashed out at former President Donald Trump on Wednesday, calling him a “monster” after the Department of Justice launched an investigation into whether Chicago’s hiring practices violate civil rights laws.

The federal probe was triggered by remarks Johnson made at a church service on Sunday, where he praised his administration for hiring large numbers of Black staffers, stating that Black people are “the most generous people on Earth.” The DOJ responded swiftly, questioning whether such race-based considerations are influencing broader hiring decisions throughout city government.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon issued a letter to Johnson on Monday, warning that if race is being used to fill top roles, similar practices may be occurring at all levels of city employment — potentially violating federal law.

At a press conference two days later, Johnson launched into a tirade against Trump, blaming the former president for what he claimed was a politically motivated attack on diversity.

“This is not a surprise. He’s a monster,” Johnson said, referencing Trump’s alleged hostility toward marginalized groups. “We have the most diverse administration in the history of Chicago, and he is threatened by that.”

Johnson, who is Black, has made racial equity a hallmark of his time in office, but critics argue his recent comments suggest a willingness to prioritize race over merit. His defenders, meanwhile, claim the administration is simply making overdue corrections to long-standing inequalities.

The DOJ investigation comes amid a broader national crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, with Trump vowing to eliminate what he calls “reverse racism” if re-elected. His supporters say the Chicago case underscores the need for federal oversight to prevent public jobs from being filled based on identity rather than qualifications.

Johnson’s administration released demographic data in response to the inquiry, showing a workforce that is 34.3% Black, 30.5% White, 23.8% Hispanic, and 6.7% Asian. But that breakdown has done little to quiet criticism.

While Johnson frames the investigation as politically motivated, opponents accuse him of reckless leadership and using inflammatory rhetoric to deflect from legitimate legal concerns.

“This isn’t just about Trump,” one critic said. “It’s about a mayor who made hiring about race and now wants to play the victim.”

The DOJ’s inquiry is still in its early stages, but the political ramifications are already reverberating — and Johnson’s combative response may have only escalated the stakes.