Chicago Mayor Accused of Failing to Document Gifts and Denying Access to Gift Room
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has been accused of not properly documenting designer gifts while also blocking access to the City Hall "gift room," according to a report from the City of Chicago Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
The OIG released the report Wednesday, accusing the Chicago mayor's office of accepting gifts, including Hugo Boss cuff links, a personalized Montblanc pen, a 2023 U.S. National Soccer Team jersey, a Gucci tote bag, a Kate Spade red purse, and Carrucci size 14 shoes from February 2, 2022, through March 20, 2024.
The report notes that almost 70% of the 380 logged gifts received during this period do not list the identity of the donor.
The city received the national soccer team jersey on June 16, 2023, from a representative from Nike. On October 3, 2023, the city received Airpods, a tote bag, and a notepad from an executive with the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
However, other entries, like the Hugo Boss cuff links and personalized Montblanc pen received on June 12, 2023, fail to include information about the identity of the gift giver.
Personnel from the OIG went to the fifth floor of City Hall on November 8, 2024, to request access to the gift room unannounced, aiming to inspect how gifts to the city are stored and to audit gift disclosures.
Instead, the OIG was met by Chicago Police officers. After explaining their request, OIG personnel were told to wait in a lobby by an elevator.
While waiting, the OIG spoke with senior members of the mayor's office regarding the request, then presented a written request for access.
After further delay, the mayor's office informed the OIG that counsel had advised them that access to the gift room would not be granted that day. The OIG was instructed that an appointment would be necessary.
The OIG highlighted that gift disclosures required by the Governmental Ethics Ordinance (GEO) promote transparency and accountability.
“When gifts are changing hands -- perhaps literally -- in a windowless room in City Hall, there is no opportunity for oversight and public scrutiny of the propriety of such gifts,” the report noted.
Some of the gifts were accepted while former Mayor Lori Lightfoot was in office, while others were accepted after Johnson took the oath of office.
In reaction, Johnson stated that the OIG's report mischaracterized the situation, insisting that all gifts are logged properly.
“These are gifts to the city. They're logged,” Johnson emphasized, further stating that the process for accessing the gifts has always been in place.
Johnson added that he has never seen the referred gift room and invited others to inspect it, claiming he would gladly sign up for such a tour.
