Chicago Inspector General Reveals Mayor Johnson Blocked Access to Hidden Gift Room

A recent report by Chicago’s Inspector General Deborah Witzburg reveals that Mayor Brandon Johnson has been hoarding luxury gifts, including designer handbags, jewelry, and whiskey, in a secret ‘Gift Room’ at City Hall. The report accuses the mayor’s office of obstructing investigators by denying access to a public gift log, which is required by city ethics policy to track gifts over $50. Investigators had to conduct undercover operations and file Freedom of Information Act requests to uncover the extent of the gifts, which totaled 236 during Johnson's tenure. The report highlights a long-standing practice allowing mayors to bypass strict reporting requirements, leading to a lack of transparency in gift acceptance. Witzburg criticized the process by which gifts are logged and reported, noting that many gifts do not identify the giver. The investigation raises significant ethical questions regarding the conduct of both Johnson and his predecessor, Lori Lightfoot.