Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was asked by reporters this week about the bombshell story that revealed he has spent more than $30,000 in campaign funds on hair and makeup. The Windy City leader somehow managed to spin the discussion into a lecture on supporting Black businesses.
The mayor was asked why he thinks that’s an appropriate use of campaign funds.
“It’s think it’s always appropriate to make sure that we’re investing in small businesses. Especially minority-owned, Black-owned, women-owned businesses,” Johnson said after Wednesday’s City Council meeting.
“Our campaign spends money on food. We support Black and Brown-owned businesses, women-owned businesses,” Johnson continued. “There are a number of things that my campaign spends dollars on and I’m so committed to supporting small businesses, that even as mayor, I just made another announcement of another 34, 35 million dollars available for small businesses. It’s important to people.”
“I encourage all of you in this room to support small businesses. Go get your hair and makeup done, by Black people in particular.”
Watch the clip above.