DC Council Must Expel Trayon White 

The only thing that can stop White from abusing his office is expulsion from it

Washington, DC (September 28, 2026)

Following the declaration of a mistrial in the federal bribery case against DC Councilmember Trayon White, the DC Republican Party today called on the DC Council to once again use its authority to expel White from office.

White was captured on video accepting $35,000 in cash from a government contractor. Although the jury was unable to reach a verdict on the federal bribery charge, the conduct revealed during the case should be unacceptable for a member of the DC Council. Indeed, White was previously expelled for these very same actions.

“This mistrial comes at exactly the wrong time for a city already struggling with confidence in its government,” said DC GOP Chairman Patrick Mara. “The DC Council must act expeditiously to expel Councilmember White. Failing to act would send a terrible message that elected officials can accept tens of thousands of dollars in cash from individuals seeking government business and remain in office.”

"Make no mistake, Trayon White will view today's mistrial as a green light to further engage in corrupt acts," said Mara. "White, in fact, discussed on tape expanding the scope of his hustle to include mental health services, referring to that as ‘where the big money is.' What's to stop White now that he knows that there will always be at least one juror unwilling to hold him accountable for his actions? The only thing that can stop White from abusing his office is expulsion from it."



“Regardless of the outcome of the criminal process, this is conduct that should not be tolerated at any level of the DC government,” Mara continued. “The people of Washington deserve elected officials who are held to the highest ethical standards. Trayon White is a disgrace and disgraces not just the DC Council, but our city, too."