The ouster of Trayon White is the first time the council has expelled a member. His trial is set for January 2026.
WASHINGTON—The local council in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 4 unanimously expelled member Trayon White following bribery allegations.
This is the first time the 13-member D.C. Council has expelled a member. Expulsion requires all but one of the council members, and White was not allowed to vote on the matter.
White, 40, was arrested and indicted in August 2024 for allegedly taking in tens of thousands of dollars in bribes from a contractor. He has pleaded not guilty.
White allegedly agreed to $150,000 in bribes and ultimately took $35,000, according to the Department of Justice.
The former council member allegedly sought to “pressure government employees” at the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement and the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services to “extend several D.C. contracts” worth $5.2 million, according to the DOJ.
“Because the investigation into the alleged bribery scheme involved contracts that could soon be awarded and other potential official acts that could be taken, our office took swift steps to address the alleged crimes we were investigating,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Matthew Graves at the time.
Ahead of the Feb. 4 vote, Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said, “Bribery of elected officials is quintessential corruption.
“Trust is precious. Trust is critical for an elected government, and we must act.”
Until a special election is held within the next few months, White’s Ward 8 seat will remain empty.
White won reelection in November 2024, and despite his expulsion is eligible to run for his old seat because he has not been convicted. His trial is scheduled to begin in January 2026.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.