Lori Lightfoot, who served as Chicago’s mayor from 2019 to 2023, is facing a lawsuit from J.P. Morgan Chase over an unpaid balance on her United MileagePlus credit card. The debt totals $11,078.01, and she hasn’t made a payment in over 17 months – since August 2024. She’s held the card for two decades.
Political and Financial Missteps
Lightfoot lost her bid for re-election in 2023 and has since taken roles at consulting firm Charles River Associates, as well as at the University of Michigan, Harvard, and the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics. The lawsuit was served at her home in October.
The case is noteworthy because it mirrors a pattern of financial irresponsibility extending beyond personal debts. During her mayoral tenure, Lightfoot faced scrutiny for questionable spending decisions. For example, she defended receiving a haircut during the Covid stay-at-home order by claiming her role as the “public face of the city” justified it – a move widely criticized as hypocritical. She also drew criticism for limiting interviews to journalists of color, sparking accusations of bias.
Celebrities and Credit Card Defaults
Lightfoot is far from the only public figure to be sued over unpaid credit card bills. American Express has filed similar suits against Bhad Bhabie ($674,452), Armie Hammer, Lil Wayne, and Ray J. Even Tori Spelling has been pursued by American Express multiple times. These cases highlight a common thread: high-profile individuals defaulting on significant debts despite public visibility.
Loyalty Programs and Financial Choices
The choice of a MileagePlus United card is interesting given American Airlines’ growing presence at O’Hare. Some argue that AAdvantage, American Airlines’ loyalty program, is superior to MileagePlus, suggesting Lightfoot may have selected a less advantageous card for her spending habits.
Non-Partisan Issue
This isn’t a partisan problem. Former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, a Republican, was previously reported to have carried high-interest credit card debt rather than paying it off. Bad credit habits transcend political affiliations, demonstrating that financial mismanagement can occur across the spectrum.
The case serves as a reminder that even public figures are susceptible to personal financial failings. It raises questions about accountability and responsible spending, both in personal finances and in public office.
This lawsuit is just one example of how financial debts can catch up with high-profile figures. It underscores the importance of responsible spending, even for those who operate in the public eye.
