Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson faces scrutiny following an Office of the Inspector General (OIG) report alleging undocumented designer gifts and restricted access to a City Hall "gift room." The report claims nearly 70% of the 380 gifts received between February 2022 and March 2024 lack donor identification. Items range from Hugo Boss cufflinks and a Montblanc pen to a Gucci tote bag and size 14 Carrucci shoes. While some gifts, like a U.S. National Soccer Team jersey and Apple AirPods, have documented origins, many luxury items lack donor information. The OIG's attempt to inspect this "gift room" on November 8, 2024, was met with resistance. Chicago police officers initially delayed the inspectors, and after a written request, the mayor's office, citing legal counsel, denied access, insisting on a scheduled appointment. The OIG emphasized that gift disclosures are crucial for transparency and accountability, raising concerns about the lack of oversight regarding these gifts and the intentions of the givers. Mayor Johnson countered these claims, asserting the gifts belong to the city and are properly logged. He dismissed the report as a mischaracterization and pledged to provide access to the logged gifts. He also questioned the existence of a dedicated "gift room," offering a tour of the alleged space. The situation continues to unfold as the OIG seeks access to the room and further investigates the matter.
