Baltimore's Democratic Mayor Brandon Scott has sparked controversy after dismissing a reporter's question about his taxpayer-funded executive SUV as "racist" during a tense press conference. The mayor rides in a nearly $164,000 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer equipped with approximately $60,000 worth of security enhancements, including police lights, sirens, and a dedicated security phone.
Most Expensive Official Vehicle in Maryland
According to records obtained by Spotlight on Maryland, Mayor Scott's luxurious Jeep represents the most expensive official vehicle currently in use across the entire state. The investigation examined vehicle records from thirteen counties, the state comptroller's office, the governor's team, and state police departments to compile comprehensive data on government transportation expenditures.
The outlet discovered that only two executive vehicles in Maryland exceed the $100,000 price threshold, with both assigned exclusively to Baltimore city officials. The second most expensive vehicle identified was a $108,000 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe allocated to Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley.
Confrontational Press Conference Exchange
During Friday's press briefing, WBFF investigative reporter Tessa Bentulan directly questioned Mayor Scott about the justification for his vehicle's substantial cost. The mayor responded defensively, stating: "We'll just stop you right there. We understand that your station has this severe right-wing effort underway."
When Bentulan pressed for a clearer answer regarding the expenditure, Scott asserted: "I did answer the question. Just because you didn't get the answer you wanted and your racist slant is one thing." This characterization of the journalist's inquiry has generated significant discussion about appropriate discourse between public officials and the media.
Comparative Vehicle Analysis Reveals Disparities
The investigation revealed that Mayor Scott's Jeep costs approximately twice as much as Maryland Governor Wes Moore's $82,000 2025 Chevrolet Suburban. Furthermore, the majority of vehicles assigned to officials in Maryland's largest counties ranged between $45,000 and $75,000, placing the mayor's transportation significantly above standard government vehicle expenditures.
In addition to his primary $164,000 Jeep, Mayor Scott maintains a backup 2023 Ford Expedition valued at $99,000, which includes $20,500 in security upgrades. A city spokesperson confirmed that maintaining a secondary vehicle for the mayor represents standard protocol, though the combined value of both vehicles exceeds typical provisions for municipal officials.
Defense and Criticism of Expenditure
During the press conference, Mayor Scott defended the vehicle's cost by citing inflation and model year differences, arguing that "a vehicle purchased in 2023 is not the same price as 2025" and that "base prices of SUVs now are between $90,000 and $100,000."
However, automotive industry data presents a contrasting perspective. According to Jeep's official website, the 2026 Grand Wagoneer model starts below $66,000, while comparable SUVs like the 2026 Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition both begin under $64,000. More mainstream SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V start just above $30,000 for current model years.
Baltimore Residents Express Outrage
Local residents have voiced strong criticism regarding what they perceive as fiscal irresponsibility in the allocation of taxpayer funds. Christian Heath, a Baltimore resident, told Spotlight on Maryland: "Not the taxpayers' money! If he wants it for himself, yeah. But not with our money. Our money should be for the city, the schools, the kids. Just to ride around? We don't have cars like that."
Retired Marine veteran Benjamin Luster questioned the necessity of such extensive security measures, stating: "Why is it that he says the streets are safe, but he still needs to up armor and get protection for his car? He's making himself more important than the common folk."
Ricona Coats, who has lived in Baltimore for two years, commented: "I don't think that's an appropriate price. The safety features I guess I can understand because he's a government official, but I just think the accountants over there [in City Hall] could be a little more cost-effective."
Mixed Reactions from Officials and Watchdogs
Baltimore Councilman Zac Blanchard has publicly defended the mayor's vehicle expenditure, asserting in a statement: "I think buying a nicer SUV with relevant safety and communications enhancements twice a decade is pretty reasonable for a large city's top elected official."
Conversely, David Williams, president of the government watchdog group Taxpayers Protection Alliance, expressed skepticism about the vehicle's price point. He told Spotlight on Maryland: "The mayor should be protected. The mayor should be comfortable. But you can achieve that for way less than $160,000."
The Daily Mail has reached out to the Baltimore Mayor's Office for additional comment regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding the executive vehicle's procurement and cost justification.
