Democrat Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott Blasts Reporter as ‘racist’ For Asking About $163,495 Government Vehicle

The Costly Vehicle Controversy? Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, a progressive Democrat in office since 2020, is under scrutiny for using taxpayer funds to purchase a 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer valued at $163,495, reportedly the most expensive government-issued vehicle for any executive in Maryland.

A Fox Baltimore report highlights that this SUV costs nearly twice as much as the next priciest state vehicle, amid Baltimore’s $85 million budget deficit. Scott has defended the expense by comparing it to President Donald Trump’s armored “Beast” vehicle, attributing discrepancies to inflation and suggesting political motivations are at play. Despite his advocacy against climate change, the vehicle’s low fuel efficiency of 14 MPG has drawn additional criticism.

Heated Press Conference Exchange

During a press conference, Scott engaged in a tense back-and-forth with a reporter questioning the vehicle’s cost, ultimately dismissing the inquiry as “idiotic” and part of a “right-wing” effort to discredit him. He accused the reporter of having a “racist slant” after not receiving a desired answer. This response aligns with Scott’s self-image as a fighter against the status quo in Baltimore politics, where he has criticized past leaders for prioritizing flashy but ineffective transportation options. However, his choice of a luxury SUV has sparked irony given his 2020 campaign statements condemning such priorities.

Social Media Backlash

The mayor’s comments ignited widespread criticism on social media from conservative figures and commentators. Maryland Republican Delegate Kathy Szeliga accused Scott of deflecting by calling the reporter racist instead of justifying the luxury vehicle’s expense. Others, like social media personality Officer Lew, labeled it a classic case of identity politics allowing waste and dodging accountability. Conservative influencers such as Brandon Tatum and Libs of TikTok echoed these sentiments, mocking Scott’s response as a tactic to avoid addressing the “grift” and portraying him as an unqualified virtue-signaler. The exchange amplified debates over fiscal responsibility in city governance.

Official Defenses and Clarifications

A spokesperson for Scott’s office clarified that the $163,495 figure includes not just the vehicle’s MSRP but also necessary safety modifications for police use, such as lights, sirens, and communications equipment, procured through standard procedures in February 2025. They explained that executive vehicles are replaced every four years due to high mileage and maintenance needs, with the previous 2016 model serving beyond its cycle. The spokesperson challenged the report’s claim of it being the state’s most expensive, noting incomplete data from jurisdictions and differing replacement protocols. However, the statement did not address Scott’s racism accusation, and they dismissed relevance of his 2020 quote to the current fleet, framing it as a broader public transportation critique. and add 1 header title for each paragraph describing it

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