Baltimore mayor vows to press on with spending, dismisses scrutiny as 'ridiculous reporting'

The report found the mayor's office used public funds for game day expenses and suite access, prompting criticism over whether those benefits were extended to political allies and donors rather than strictly for public purposes.

One critic, taxpayer advocate David Williams, raised concerns about the presence of donors among those invited.

"When you look at the list, you see donors," Williams said. "That sends a shiver down taxpayers' spines because they know what's happening is that the mayor is courting a favor with donors, with other elected officials, and this is not what people voted for."

Scott responded by emphasizing his office has broadened access to include more everyday residents.

"And I think when you think about those families that lost people, mothers and brothers and kids of people that died in this city that were in the skybox," Scott said. "We're going to continue to do that, even though you guys are going to continue your ridiculous reporting."

Earlier this year, Scott also faced questions over taxpayer-funded expenditures tied to his official website, including a 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer used by his security detail.

A spokesperson for the mayor's office said the vehicle was procured through standard procedures and that the total reported cost included safety and security modifications required for use by the Baltimore Police Department's Executive Protection Unit.

The office also said mayoral vehicles are replaced on a regular cycle due to heavy official use and that older vehicles are repurposed or sold.

Fox News' Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.