DC Council committee votes to recommend Trayon White for expulsion amid bribery allegations

DC councilmember Trayon White faces potential expulsion

Washington, D.C. Councilmember Trayon White could be one step closer to losing his seat on the council. The committee formed to investigate the bribery allegations against him is meeting Monday.

WASHINGTON - The ad hoc committee investigating bribery allegations against Washington, D.C. Councilmember Trayon White has voted to recommend the expulsion of the embattled lawmaker. This unanimous decision follows the committee's review of a damning report, which found "substantial evidence" that White violated the D.C. Code of Conduct in office.

"Let’s cut through the legal jargon. Trayon White is accused of taking bribes," D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said in a statement Monday. "The prosecutors have established probable cause, our own independent investigation found substantial evidence that he took bribes, and public servants are prohibited from taking bribes. This is quintessential corruption."

The motion to expel was adopted unanimously and is a recommendation to the full Council, which will act on January 28. "There is only one remedy: to remove the corruption from our body. This incident has damaged the public trust necessary for government to function well. Anything less than expulsion will not rectify the situation," his statement concluded.

"It is truly unfortunate that we have arrived at this point, but this body had no other choice. I am profoundly disappointed in the conduct of Trayon White, but the evidence is clear that, whether or not his actions rise to the level of a criminal conviction, they constitute a violation of the Council’s code of conduct and, more importantly, the public’s trust," said councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, chair of the ad hoc committee, in a statement. "Residents depend on their elected officials to act with integrity and make thoughtful decisions that prioritize the community’s best interests. The investigative report has made it clear that Councilmember Trayon White failed to uphold these fundamental principles."

The ad hoc committee met at 9 a.m. Monday. This past summer, the Ward 8 councilmember was arrested on a federal bribery charge after being accused of agreeing to accept more than $150,000 from an associate in exchange for extending violence interruption contracts.

The independent investigation, conducted by the law firm Latham & Watkins LLP and commissioned by the ad hoc committee of the council, examined those allegations. The report, which includes an in-depth analysis and 29 supporting exhibits, was submitted to the council last week.

Based on documents, interviews, emails, and texts, investigators found "substantial evidence that Councilmember White violated Council Rules and several provisions of the Code of Official Conduct." Specifically, investigators say White accepted cash from certain business owners in exchange for agreeing to meet with and influence D.C. government officials who approved their contracts. The report says White had a ledger detailing the profits he expected to make, including a kickback of 3% of the grants he helped renew.

White was re-elected in November with 84% of the vote and has continued to participate in council business. The law firm said White, through his attorney, declined to provide any requested documents or participate in two interview requests.

White spoke on Monday before the meeting. "I do want to say that there has been no clear evidence of nobody in all these interviews saying that I tried to bribe them. And so I'm confident in that."

Expulsion is the most severe punishment possible. The council needed a five-sixths vote to adopt a resolution of expulsion. A proceeding on it must be held within 45 days. White will also be given a chance to defend himself.

White's federal bribery trial is scheduled to begin on January 12, 2026.

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