Chicago Mayor Investigated for Spending Thousands on Personal Grooming Expenses

Mayor Johnson reportedly spent $30,000 on hair and makeup with campaign funds, while his predecessor spent only $2,000 for similar expenses.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has come under scrutiny for spending more than $30,000 on hair and makeup expenses since launching his campaign last year. According to a report by the Chicago Sun Times, Johnson used funds donated by political supporters to cover the cost of his personal grooming appointments.

The Sun Times cited election board records showing that Johnson made numerous payments to makeup artist Denise Milloy's Makeup Majic. Milloy received more than 30 payments totaling over $30,000 from 2023 to 2024. The payments were listed as "Candidate makeup for TV," "Candidate makeup for debate," or "Candidate makeup" prior to the 2023 election.

After Johnson took office, payments to Milloy were filed under "event expenses." Milloy, when contacted by the Sun Times, declined to comment on her work with Johnson's campaign.

Johnson's campaign spokesperson defended the spending, saying that Johnson "does not spend taxpayer dollars in preparation for the many public appearances and events he attends every day." Instead, the spokesperson claimed that Johnson uses his own campaign funds to compensate Black- and women-owned businesses for their services in preparing him and campaign associates for public events.

The report highlighted the contrast between Johnson's spending and that of his predecessor, Lori Lightfoot. Lightfoot made only four payments totaling approximately $2,000 for "event-makeup services" in her campaign fillings last year.

The Sun Times also reported a $4,000 payment from Johnson's campaign to a Palatine, Illinois beauty salon called Anthony Jones Salon. However, the salon owner disputed the payment, stating that he never received the money and had no dealings with Johnson's campaign.

Johnson's campaign advisor clarified that the payment to Anthony Jones Salon was a mistake and that the intended recipient was AJ Styles Barber & Beauty Salon on the West Side.

Mayor Johnson's office has not responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.

Johnson's spending raises questions about the use of campaign funds and whether personal grooming expenses are considered campaign-related. While some argue that such expenses are necessary for a public figure, others question the propriety of using donor funds for personal beautification.