'Must be the foundation of his success': Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson mocked for spending $30K in campaign funds on grooming in past year

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson ensued online mockery as he reportedly spent over $30,000 worth of campaign funds on his hair and makeup over the past year. 

Most of the $30,000, which was donated to his Friends of Brandon Johnson campaign fund by his supporters, was paid to Denise Milloy, a makeup artist, while nearly $4000, went to the 48-year-old’s hair maintenance, as per the Daily Mail. 

The 48-year-old politician became the mayor in 2023 after winning against Paul Vallas in a runoff election.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's spokesperson tries to justify his expenditures saying 'appearances matter' 

Before joining the office, he reportedly paid Milloy's "Makeup Majic" over 30 times for "candidate makeup for debate", "candidate makeup for TV," "makeup retainer," and "candidate makeup." 

However, after taking the role, he and his office have just written "event expenses" for payments made to "Makeup Majic."

Bill Neidhardt, a campaign adviser for Johnson, tried to justify the progressive mayor's use of campaign funds for personal grooming. 

In a written statement to the Chicago Sun Times, he wrote, "The mayor does not spend taxpayer dollars in preparation for the many public appearances and events he attends every day."

Neidhardt added, "He is using his own campaign funds to pay Black- and women-owned businesses a fair wage in compensation for their work in preparing the mayor and individuals associated with the campaign for public appearances, events, media segments, and other availabilities."

He noted, "Hair and makeup services are commonplace among high-ranking public officials," stressing, "He's mayor 24-7. Appearances matter."

Internet reacts to Brandon Johnson spending $30,000 worth of campaign funds on hair and makeup

A Facebook user wrote, "Wow that is mind-blowing 🤯 especially considering you can still see patches in his head," and another remarked, "Shiiiieettt he's spending our money on swag! Get him outta here!!!"

"A typical Democrat scumbag. Keep voting Democrat you morons," fumed a netizen, while one X (formerly Twitter) user noted, "Wow, $30K for makeup? Must be the foundation of his success."

A person questioned, "How in the hell does someone outside of Hollywood spend 30 large on makeup." 

One more offered, "Vanity.  $30k on vanity.  That's what the people of Chicago voted for.  Hope they are pleased with how their money is being spent.  On migrants and his vanity!"

"This is indicative of his policies.  You’d think he’d be more conservative in spending to work for the people.  This is why people don’t trust politicians.  They are mostly corrupt money grabbers," said another person. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.