The Wall Street Journal reports the U.S. Department of Justice has opened probes into how major companies apply DEI initiatives in hiring and promotions, and may be invoking federal fraud statutes. Google and Verizon are named among firms that reportedly received document requests. Reuters could not immediately verify the Journal's reporting.
WSJ: DOJ Uses Federal Fraud Laws To Probe Corporate DEI Programs — Google, Verizon Named
A sign on the wall of the U.S. Department of Justice building in Washington, D.C., U.S., November 14, 2025. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz
Dec 28 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Justice has opened investigations into how major American companies use diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in hiring and promotion decisions, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.
What the Report Says
The Journal, citing people familiar with the probes, said the Justice Department has sought documents and information from a number of firms, including Google and Verizon, as part of inquiries that may invoke federal fraud statutes. The requests reportedly target workplace programs and the role DEI policies play in personnel decisions.
Verification And Context
Reuters could not immediately verify the Journal's account. The report does not say whether any charges have been filed or whether the investigations have identified specific violations.
Why it matters: The use of fraud laws against corporate DEI programs would mark a significant expansion of enforcement scrutiny over workplace diversity initiatives and could prompt reviews of corporate hiring and promotion practices.
Reporting by Mihika Sharma in Bengaluru; Editing by Ronojoy Mazumdar.
