Democrat Charged With Bribery
Washington, D.C. Council member Trayon White Sr. (D) found himself at the center of a serious legal scandal as he was arrested on Sunday and charged with federal bribery, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
White, who serves Ward 8, an area in southeastern Washington, D.C., stands accused of accepting a substantial $156,000 in bribes. These payments were allegedly in exchange for using his council position to influence government officials to extend contracts worth a total of $5.2 million. The contracts were for two companies involved in providing violence intervention services. The bribe White received equated to about 3% of the total contract value.
The DOJ detailed that a confidential informant, who owned the companies in question, made four separate cash payments to White—on June 26, July 17, July 25, and August 9, 2024. All transactions were recorded on video, including a session where White and the informant reviewed a document that outlined how the bribe was calculated, as reported by The Associated Press (AP).
The informant has agreed to plead guilty to charges of fraud and bribery. This development has cast a long shadow over White’s political career, which includes an unsuccessful primary run against D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) in 2022. White represents a predominantly Black constituency, which faces economic challenges, with poverty rates significantly higher than the city average.
Council Chair Phil Mendelson (D) expressed deep concern over the charges, acknowledging that while White is presumed innocent until proven guilty, the allegations are a severe blow to public trust in the Council. Mendelson stated his intent to form a committee to review the situation and consider removing White from his position on the Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs.
This situation further complicates White’s re-election bid and casts a spotlight on his controversial history, including past promotion of antisemitic conspiracy theories. The unfolding legal drama underscores a troubling chapter in D.C. politics, prompting calls for accountability and transparency.
