Baltimore Mayor Accused of Racism After Defending Expensive SUV

Mayor Brandon Scott claims reporter's questioning was racially motivated

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Democratic Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott accused a local reporter of racism after she questioned why his SUV cost over $163,000 - the most expensive executive vehicle used by a Maryland public official. Scott claimed the reporter's line of questioning had a "severe right wing effort" and a "racist slant" when she compared the cost of his vehicle to the $82,141 Chevrolet Suburban used by Maryland Governor Wes Moore.

Why it matters

The mayor's response highlights growing tensions between local officials and the media, particularly when it comes to questions about government spending and transparency. This incident also raises concerns about how race is being invoked in political disputes, potentially undermining legitimate inquiries into the use of taxpayer funds.

The details

The 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer used by Mayor Scott cost over $163,000, more than twice the price of the vehicle used by Governor Moore. When reporter Tessa Bentulan of WBFF questioned the high cost, Scott accused her of having a "severe right wing effort" and a "racist slant" in her questioning. Scott claimed the new vehicle would serve the same purpose as the old one in transporting him around the city.

  • Mayor Scott made the comments during a press conference on October 1, 2025.
  • WBFF first reported on the expensive SUV in October 2025.

The players

Brandon Scott

The Democratic mayor of Baltimore who is facing scrutiny over the high cost of his taxpayer-funded SUV.

Tessa Bentulan

A reporter for WBFF who questioned Mayor Scott about the $163,000 cost of his SUV.

Wes Moore

The Democratic governor of Maryland whose $82,141 Chevrolet Suburban vehicle cost less than half of Mayor Scott's SUV.

Marilyn Mosby

The former Baltimore City State's Attorney who asked the FCC to investigate WBFF's license in 2021 after the station ran critical reports about her.

Sinclair Broadcasting Group

The owner of WBFF, which partners with The Baltimore Sun and WJLA on the Spotlight on Maryland enterprise.

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What they’re saying

“We'll just stop you right there. We get it. We understand that your station has this severe right wing effort underway.”

— Brandon Scott, Mayor of Baltimore (WBFF)

“I did answer the question. Just because you didn't get the answer you wanted and your racist slant is one thing.”

— Brandon Scott, Mayor of Baltimore (WBFF)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing tensions between local officials and the media, particularly when it comes to questions about government spending and transparency. It also raises concerns about how race is being invoked in political disputes, potentially undermining legitimate inquiries into the use of taxpayer funds.