Baltimore Mayor Faces Backlash Over $163,495 Taxpayer-Funded SUV

Mayor Brandon Scott accused a reporter of racism after being questioned about the high cost of his government vehicle.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 11:55am

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Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is facing criticism after it was revealed that his taxpayer-funded SUV, a 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, cost $163,495 - making it the most expensive government vehicle assigned to any current mayor, governor, county executive, or county council member in the state of Maryland. When a reporter questioned the high cost, Scott accused him of racism, a common tactic used by the left when they cannot justify their actions.

Why it matters

Public officials are typically assigned government vehicles for security and official travel, but the wide disparities in how much taxpayers spend on these vehicles raises questions about cost controls, oversight standards, and whether spending decisions are consistent with the fiscal pressures facing residents and local governments.

The details

According to records obtained by Spotlight on Maryland, Mayor Scott's primary vehicle, a 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, cost $163,495, making it the priciest government-issued vehicle assigned to any current top elected leader in the state. When questioned about the high cost, Scott claimed the base vehicles are nearly $90,000 and accused the reporter of never asking the president about the price of his vehicle, a pathetic attempt to redirect the question.

  • Mayor Scott's taxpayer-funded SUV was revealed in a report published on February 4, 2026.

The players

Brandon Scott

The mayor of Baltimore who was criticized for the high cost of his taxpayer-funded SUV.

Spotlight on Maryland

The media outlet that obtained the records showing the high cost of Mayor Scott's government vehicle.

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What’s next

It is unclear if there will be any further investigation or consequences regarding the high cost of Mayor Scott's government vehicle.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in how public officials spend taxpayer money on government vehicles, especially when the costs seem exorbitant compared to the average citizen's means.