DC Council expels Trayon White following federal bribery charge

Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, a Democrat, said the vote today was "not easy" and represents a "very challenging situation" for the ward that White represents, but ultimately, he said, it is the right move for the city. 

"Trust is precious, trust is critical for an elected government, and we must act," Council Chairman Phil Mendelson added. 

White, who has pleaded not guilty to those allegations, reportedly faces up to 15 years in prison if he is convicted. A jury trial in the case is set for January 2026. 

"Councilmember White betrayed the trust of his staff, the council, the agencies and, above all, the residents of Ward 8," McDuffie said at a hearing last week ahead of the expulsion vote. 

In December, Mendelson called White's alleged behavior "quintessential corruption." 

"There is only one remedy: to remove the corruption from our body," he added at the time. "This incident has damaged the public trust necessary for government to function well." 

Fox News' Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.