‘America’s Worst Mayor’ Tiffany Henyard Hosts $85,000 Party Amid Spending Investigation

Dolton, Illinois Mayor Tiffany Henyard, widely criticized as "America's worst mayor," is under scrutiny again after throwing an extravagant $85,000 party while facing multiple investigations into her spending practices. The August 17 event, “A Taste of Thornton Township,” featured performances by R&B singer Keke Wyatt and rapper J. Holiday, with each artist paid $25,000 for a 30-minute set. The party, funded largely by taxpayers, included $6,600 for children's inflatable attractions, but attracted a mere 60-70 attendees, leaving many questioning the value of the expense​.

Henyard’s spending at the party adds to the mounting accusations of financial mismanagement during her term. The mayor has already been banned from using village credit cards except for board-approved purchases after racking up tens of thousands of dollars in questionable expenses, including lavish trips to Las Vegas and thousands spent at Amazon, Wayfair, and Best Buy. In response to the growing scandal, the Dolton trustees hired former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to investigate the village’s finances, which revealed a deficit of $3.6 million under Henyard’s leadership.

NEW: Dolton's 'Super Mayor' Tiffany Henyard threw an $85,000 party despite plunging her town's budget into debt and being cut off from state funds

Tiffany Henyard, 41, spent $85,000 of taxpayer money on an event, including $50,000 for 60 minutes of performances and over $35,000… pic.twitter.com/Zm1Bbg0tzF

— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) September 10, 2024

The federal government is also conducting an investigation into Henyard’s alleged misuse of funds. However, despite widespread criticism and calls for her resignation from local residents, Henyard has shown no signs of stepping down. She defended her party by stating, “This is all for the babies,” as she live-streamed the event, dismissing the concerns of Dolton taxpayers. Many residents, however, remain angry. “That’s the people’s money,” Lansing resident Jennifer Robertz said, echoing the frustrations of many locals.

The probe into Henyard’s finances is part of a broader investigation into her handling of public funds. Since taking office in 2021, Henyard has been accused of excessive and unauthorized use of village money. Before her election, Dolton had a $5.6 million surplus, but under Henyard’s leadership, the village is now grappling with a substantial deficit​.

Wonder if @KeKeWyattSings and J. Holiday, know they were paid for with tax-payer money, and if they realize how shitty that is. If they have any integrity, they will return the money, and denounce Tiffany Henyard for this obvious abuse of tax-payer money. https://t.co/620VBEJJEM

— RealJamesGrove (@RealJamesGrove) September 11, 2024

Some of Henyard’s more controversial expenses include $40,000 in Amazon purchases and an additional $10,000 spent at Wayfair and Best Buy, all charged to the village’s credit card. These transactions, along with her frequent travels, have triggered both local and federal investigations. Lightfoot’s audit, initiated by the Dolton trustees, was part of a larger effort to regain control over the town's finances, which have spiraled under Henyard's administration.

While Henyard has not been charged with any crime yet, the ongoing investigations have raised significant concerns about the governance of Dolton. Even Dolton’s Deputy Police Chief Lewis Lacey, a Henyard ally, has been caught in a separate federal investigation, facing nine charges, including bankruptcy fraud.

Many Dolton residents now wonder if Henyard will eventually face charges of her own, but for now, she remains defiant, continuing her duties as mayor despite widespread backlash.

This latest incident, along with her history of financial mismanagement, has only solidified her reputation as "America's worst mayor" in the eyes of many Dolton residents and beyond.