Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott lashed out at a reporter this week after being pressed over the cost of his taxpayer funded SUV, accusing the journalist of racism when questioned about the six figure price tag.
During the exchange, Scott was asked why a vehicle purchased with public funds cost an eye-popping $163,495. Rather than offering a direct explanation, the mayor bristled at the question and grew visibly irritated.
“A vehicle that was purchased in 2023 is not the same price as 2025, right?” Scott said, raising his voice. “I’m talking.”
The reporter pushed back, noting that former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s state issued vehicle reportedly cost around $70,000 and pointing out that Scott had not actually answered why his SUV cost more than twice that amount.
Scott dismissed the comparison and escalated the confrontation.
“I did answer the question, just because you didn’t get the answer that you wanted,” Scott said, before accusing the reporter of having a “racist slant.”
The accusation immediately drew attention online, with critics arguing the mayor used race as a shield to avoid explaining an expensive purchase made with taxpayer money. Others questioned why a city struggling with crime, infrastructure problems, and budget pressures would justify a luxury level government vehicle.
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