Mayor Johnson Criticized Over Unreported Luxury Gifts

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is under scrutiny for not properly documenting or reporting luxury gifts, such as designer handbags and jewelry, which were stored in a City Hall room accessible only through a Freedom of Information Act request. An Inspector General's report revealed that since 1989, the Mayor's office has maintained a private logbook of gifts, bypassing the public reporting requirements mandated by the city's ethics ordinance. The report indicates nearly 70% of the 380 gifts logged from February 2022 to March 2024 lacked donor information, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. Attempts by the Inspector General's office to inspect the gifts were thwarted by the Mayor's office, prompting calls for procedural reforms. Mayor Johnson has contested the report's characterization, yet has agreed to work with the Board of Ethics to address the issues raised. The situation has sparked criticism from the public and political opponents, questioning the integrity of the current administration.