Chicago mayor’s office accepted designer gifts without properly reporting them: OIG

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is facing accusations of not properly documenting designer gifts and blocking access to the City Hall “gift room,” as detailed in a report from the City of Chicago Office of the Inspector General (OIG). The OIG report, released on Wednesday, alleges that the mayor’s office accepted various gifts from Feb. 2, 2022, through March 20, 2024, including items such as Hugo Boss cuff links, a personalized Montblanc pen, a 2023 U.S. National Soccer Team jersey, a Gucci tote bag, a Kate Spade red purse, and Carrucci size 14 shoes.

One of the key findings of the report is that almost 70% of the 380 logged gifts received during the specified period do not list the identity of the donor. For example, while the city received a national soccer team jersey from a Nike representative on June 16, 2023, and Airpods, a tote bag, and a notepad from an executive with the U.S. Conference of Mayors on Oct. 3, 2023, other entries like the Hugo Boss cuff links, personalized Montblanc pen, Gucci tote bag, and crossbody bag lack information on the identity of the gift-giver.

When the OIG personnel attempted to conduct an inspection of the gift room on Nov. 8, 2024, they were met by Chicago Police officers instead. Despite requesting access to the gift room, they were eventually denied entry and told that they would have to make an appointment to view the room.

In response to the accusations, Mayor Johnson defended the city’s handling of gifts, stating that the gifts are logged and available for scrutiny. He emphasized that there is a process in place for accepting gifts and that transparency is maintained. Johnson also addressed the notion of a gift room, stating that he has never seen such a room and that gifts are typically received at community functions as tokens of appreciation.

The mayor assured reporters that the city follows the necessary protocols for accepting gifts and that everyone, including the OIG, must adhere to the law. Johnson expressed willingness to provide access to the gifts that have been given to the city and emphasized the importance of transparency in government operations.

Overall, the OIG report raises concerns about the lack of transparency in documenting gifts received by the city and the restricted access to the gift room. The mayor’s response underscores the need for accountability and proper procedures in handling gifts to ensure public trust and confidence in city government operations.