Copyright NBC 5 Chicago
The city of Chicago announced Monday it is suing the Trump administration for threatening to withhold tens of millions of dollars in federal grants for disaster relief. Conditions from the Department of Homeland Security would require the city to certify that it does not operate any "programs that advance or promote DEI, DEIA, or discriminatory equity ideology," according to a news release from the office of Mayor Brandon Johnson. City officials said if Chicago fails to certify those conditions, it would lose federal funding. Johnson's administration joined eight other cities in a new lawsuit to challenge the federal government's conditions. Getting rid of diversity, equity or inclusion programs has been a longtime goal for President Donald Trump. In March, the White House said removing the "radical" policies would restore "fairness and accountability" in hiring practices in order to fill positions with "the most qualified individuals, not by discriminatory quotas or ideological requirements." Johnson's office said the federal grants in question come from the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. The grant money helps the city respond to public safety threats, terrorism and natural disasters. "These are emergency funds, in particular, that help us respond to emergency crises," Johnson said. "Whether it's getting portable generators in or making sure that we can provide medical equipment -- certain technology that allows for us to keep people safe." Attorneys for the city argued the president does not have the authority to dictate spending because that authority lies with Congress. They also say the conditions related to DEI are "arbitrary and capricious" because they have nothing to do with the purpose of the grants.
