Racism Accusation Over Costly SUV Question
Baltimore’s Democratic Mayor Brandon Scott accused a local reporter of racism after she questioned why his taxpayer-funded vehicle costs nearly double what Maryland’s governor pays for his official SUV.
Story Snapshot
- Mayor Scott’s $163,000 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is the most expensive executive vehicle used by any Maryland public official
- When questioned about the cost, Scott accused WBFF reporter Tessa Bentulan of racism and pursuing a “severe right wing effort”
- Governor Wes Moore’s official Chevrolet Suburban costs $82,141—less than half the mayor’s vehicle price
- The incident reflects a troubling pattern of Baltimore officials deflecting accountability questions by attacking journalists
Taxpayer-Funded Luxury Raises Accountability Questions
Mayor Brandon Scott’s 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer carries a $163,000 price tag that makes it the most expensive executive vehicle purchased by any Maryland public official. WBFF reporter Tessa Bentulan asked legitimate questions about this expenditure during an October 2025 press conference, seeking to understand why Baltimore taxpayers shoulder this cost when the state’s governor operates with a vehicle costing $82,141. Rather than providing justification for the spending differential, Scott immediately pivoted to accusations of racial bias, claiming the reporter’s inquiry had a “racist slant” and represented coordinated right-wing opposition.
https://x.com/officer_Lew/status/2018792584601084318?s=20
Pattern of Attacking Media Accountability
This confrontation fits a disturbing pattern in Baltimore’s progressive leadership. Former Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby previously requested that the FCC investigate WBFF’s broadcast license in 2021 after the station reported critically on her activities. These responses demonstrate how some officials weaponize accusations of bias to deflect scrutiny rather than address substantive concerns about governance and fiscal responsibility. When public servants attack journalists for asking basic questions about taxpayer spending, it undermines the transparency essential to democratic accountability and erodes public trust in government institutions.
Fiscal Responsibility Demands Answers
The comparison to Governor Moore’s vehicle provides an objective benchmark that makes Scott’s expenditure difficult to justify. If Maryland’s chief executive adequately fulfills transportation security requirements with a Suburban costing $82,141, what additional functionality justifies Baltimore’s mayor spending nearly double that amount? Scott claimed the new vehicle “would serve the same purpose as the old one,” but provided no details explaining why a $163,000 luxury SUV represents responsible stewardship of municipal funds. Baltimore faces significant governance challenges where every taxpayer dollar matters, making such extravagant spending particularly questionable.
Weaponizing Race Undermines Legitimate Discourse
Scott’s immediate resort to racism accusations represents a cynical tactic that damages honest discussions about both government accountability and actual discrimination. When officials falsely invoke racial bias to shield themselves from legitimate scrutiny, it cheapens the term and makes addressing genuine racism more difficult. Conservative taxpayers understand the difference between holding public servants accountable for spending decisions and discriminatory treatment based on race. This incident exemplifies how progressive politicians exploit identity politics to avoid answering tough questions, expecting accusations of racism to function as an impenetrable shield against oversight. Such manipulation insults voters’ intelligence and corrodes civic discourse.
Press Freedom Under Progressive Pressure
The incident raises concerns about whether aggressive attacks on journalists create a chilling effect that discourages future accountability reporting. WBFF has faced repeated pressure from Baltimore’s Democratic leadership when pursuing stories about municipal governance. Reporter Bentulan asked straightforward questions about public expenditures—precisely the type of journalism citizens depend on to understand how their money is spent. When mayors respond to factual inquiries with accusations of racism and conspiracy theories about right-wing coordination, they signal to other journalists that holding officials accountable carries professional and reputational risks that may discourage investigation.
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Baltimore Mayor Accused of Racism After Defending Expensive SUV
