The cloud of corruption hanging over Washington, D.C. City Councilman Trayon White Sr. thickened significantly on Monday as a specially convened committee unanimously voted to recommend his expulsion from the council. This drastic measure follows a comprehensive investigation into bribery allegations, which unearthed what the committee deemed “substantial evidence” of White’s violation of the D.C. Code of Conduct. The allegations center around a staggering sum of over $150,000 in bribes White allegedly accepted while in office, shaking public trust in the city’s leadership. The committee’s recommendation marks a critical juncture in the unfolding saga, setting the stage for a formal expulsion proceeding and further highlighting the gravity of the accusations against the embattled councilman.
The committee’s recommendation, underscored by D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson’s forceful statement, leaves little room for interpretation. Mendelson minced no words, asserting that the evidence points unequivocally to bribery, a blatant act of corruption that demands the strongest possible response. He emphasized the damage inflicted on public trust, arguing that anything short of expulsion would be an inadequate remedy for the alleged misconduct. This firm stance from the council chairman signals a clear intention to hold White accountable and restore integrity to the council. Mendelson’s call for expulsion underscores the severity of the allegations and sets a precedent for dealing with corruption within the D.C. Council.
The investigation leading to the expulsion recommendation stems from White’s arrest earlier this summer on federal bribery charges. The accusations paint a picture of a quid pro quo arrangement where White allegedly received over $150,000 from an associate in exchange for influencing the extension of violence interruption contracts. To ensure an impartial examination of these serious allegations, the D.C. Council commissioned an independent investigation conducted by the esteemed law firm Latham and Watkins LLP. This external review, based on a thorough examination of documents, interviews, emails, and text messages, added significant weight to the accusations against White.
The independent report delivered to the council last week contained a detailed analysis supported by 29 exhibits, providing a comprehensive account of the alleged bribery scheme. Investigators concluded that substantial evidence existed to support claims that White had engaged in a pattern of accepting cash from business owners seeking his influence with government officials responsible for contract approvals. The report further alleges that White maintained a meticulously detailed ledger outlining his expected profits from these illicit dealings, including a 3% kickback from the grants he helped secure. This documented evidence strengthens the case against White and offers a glimpse into the alleged financial machinations behind the bribery scheme.
Despite the mounting evidence against him, White maintains his innocence. Speaking before the committee meeting on Monday, he insisted on the lack of clear evidence directly implicating him in any wrongdoing. He emphasized that no one interviewed in the investigation had claimed he attempted to coerce them. This assertion of innocence contrasts sharply with the weight of evidence presented in the independent report and raises questions about White’s defense strategy moving forward. The upcoming expulsion proceeding and the subsequent federal trial will provide the arena for him to present his case and challenge the allegations against him.
The path ahead for Trayon White Sr. is fraught with legal challenges. The D.C. Council requires a five-sixths majority vote to formally adopt the resolution for his expulsion. An expulsion proceeding, scheduled within the next 45 days, will allow White to present his defense and challenge the evidence against him. This proceeding represents a critical juncture in his political career, determining whether he remains on the council or faces removal from office. Simultaneously, White awaits his federal bribery trial, slated for January 2026. If convicted, he faces a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years, a stark reminder of the severity of the charges against him. The confluence of these legal battles will undoubtedly shape White’s future, both personally and professionally.
