Trayon White faces expulsion, but his political future may still be in his hands
Pranjal Chandra | THE TIMES OF INDIA NEWS SERVICE | Feb 04, 2025, 23:02 IST
( Image credit : AP )
Trayon White faces federal bribery charges and a potential expulsion vote from the D.C. Council, but he continues to garner strong community support in Ward 8. Despite his legal troubles, White’s defiance and comparison to former mayor Marion Barry bolster his image as a persecuted public servant.
Trayon White is no stranger to controversy, but his latest battle could determine whether he remains a fixture in Washington, D.C., politics or fades into history as another embattled councilmember who fell from power. As he fights federal bribery charges and a looming vote that could see him expelled from the D.C. Council, White is refusing to back down, tapping into his deep well of community support and drawing from the playbook of his political idol, the late Marion Barry.
For many in Ward 8, where White has built a reputation for being ever-present at crime scenes, community gatherings, and street-level crises, his legal troubles have not shaken their faith in him. His arrest last August by the FBI—on charges of accepting bribes in exchange for influencing city contracts—was met with skepticism by many of his supporters, some of whom see him as a victim of political targeting. Despite the accusations and federal surveillance footage allegedly showing him accepting cash payments, White cruised to reelection just months later, reinforcing his image as an untouchable force in local politics.
Yet, his colleagues on the D.C. Council are not as forgiving. The 12 remaining council members are set to vote Tuesday on whether to expel him, a move that would mark the first time in modern history a sitting member has been removed from office. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson has made it clear that he believes White’s presence threatens the integrity of the governing body, calling his actions “quintessential corruption” and arguing that the only solution is expulsion.
White, however, has chosen defiance over contrition. He refused to cooperate with the internal council investigation that ultimately recommended his removal and has remained largely silent in the face of his colleagues’ criticisms. Instead, he has leaned into a narrative that paints him as a champion of the people under attack by political elites and federal law enforcement.
His strategy mirrors that of Barry, the former D.C. mayor and councilmember whose legacy of both scandal and deep-rooted community support still looms large over Washington politics. White has long associated himself with Barry, even occupying the same Ward 8 seat that Barry once held. But since his arrest, the comparisons have intensified. From his choice of legal counsel—Barry’s former defense attorney—to his public appearances wearing a T-shirt condemning the FBI, White has positioned himself as the latest in a long line of Black Washington leaders unfairly targeted by the federal government.
Yet, some historians and political observers argue that White’s attempt to wrap himself in Barry’s legacy is misguided. Unlike Barry, who was a prominent civil rights activist before entering politics and widely credited with fostering the city’s Black middle class, White’s political career has been more narrowly focused on hyperlocal issues. George Musgrove, author of Chocolate City: A History of Race and Democracy in the Nation’s Capital, argues that while White has cultivated strong community ties, he has not built the same broad coalition of support that allowed Barry to weather his own scandals.
Still, even if White is expelled, his political career may not be over. Under D.C. law, a special election would be called to fill his seat, and as long as he has not been convicted of a felony, he would be eligible to run. Given the historically low voter turnout in Ward 8 during non-presidential election years, White’s network of dedicated supporters could make him a formidable candidate once again.
Whether he remains in office or is forced out, White’s fight is far from over. He has made it clear that he does not intend to step away quietly, and with a federal trial still a year away, the political drama surrounding him is likely to continue shaping the conversation in D.C. for months to come.
For many in Ward 8, where White has built a reputation for being ever-present at crime scenes, community gatherings, and street-level crises, his legal troubles have not shaken their faith in him. His arrest last August by the FBI—on charges of accepting bribes in exchange for influencing city contracts—was met with skepticism by many of his supporters, some of whom see him as a victim of political targeting. Despite the accusations and federal surveillance footage allegedly showing him accepting cash payments, White cruised to reelection just months later, reinforcing his image as an untouchable force in local politics.
Yet, his colleagues on the D.C. Council are not as forgiving. The 12 remaining council members are set to vote Tuesday on whether to expel him, a move that would mark the first time in modern history a sitting member has been removed from office. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson has made it clear that he believes White’s presence threatens the integrity of the governing body, calling his actions “quintessential corruption” and arguing that the only solution is expulsion.
White, however, has chosen defiance over contrition. He refused to cooperate with the internal council investigation that ultimately recommended his removal and has remained largely silent in the face of his colleagues’ criticisms. Instead, he has leaned into a narrative that paints him as a champion of the people under attack by political elites and federal law enforcement.
His strategy mirrors that of Barry, the former D.C. mayor and councilmember whose legacy of both scandal and deep-rooted community support still looms large over Washington politics. White has long associated himself with Barry, even occupying the same Ward 8 seat that Barry once held. But since his arrest, the comparisons have intensified. From his choice of legal counsel—Barry’s former defense attorney—to his public appearances wearing a T-shirt condemning the FBI, White has positioned himself as the latest in a long line of Black Washington leaders unfairly targeted by the federal government.
Yet, some historians and political observers argue that White’s attempt to wrap himself in Barry’s legacy is misguided. Unlike Barry, who was a prominent civil rights activist before entering politics and widely credited with fostering the city’s Black middle class, White’s political career has been more narrowly focused on hyperlocal issues. George Musgrove, author of Chocolate City: A History of Race and Democracy in the Nation’s Capital, argues that while White has cultivated strong community ties, he has not built the same broad coalition of support that allowed Barry to weather his own scandals.
Still, even if White is expelled, his political career may not be over. Under D.C. law, a special election would be called to fill his seat, and as long as he has not been convicted of a felony, he would be eligible to run. Given the historically low voter turnout in Ward 8 during non-presidential election years, White’s network of dedicated supporters could make him a formidable candidate once again.
Whether he remains in office or is forced out, White’s fight is far from over. He has made it clear that he does not intend to step away quietly, and with a federal trial still a year away, the political drama surrounding him is likely to continue shaping the conversation in D.C. for months to come.