Nike is under investigation by the US government over claims the footwear giant discriminated against white workers.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which enforces workplace discrimination laws, announced on Wednesday it has demanded company records going back to 2018, including the use of race and ethnicity data, and whether such information influenced executive pay.
Court documents show it is examining claims the firm engaged "in a pattern or practice of disparate treatment against white employees, applicants, and training program participants".
Nike said it was "committed to fair and lawful employment practices", calling the inquiry "a surprising and unusual escalation".
The EEOC said its investigation was sparked by a 2024 complaint from America First Legal, a partisan organisation founded by Trump adviser Stephen Miller that identifies "dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion" or DEI as a top priority.
