WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — Former Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White is facing new allegations of ethics violations, adding to the growing scrutiny surrounding his political and legal troubles.
The D.C. Board of Ethics and Government Accountability (BEGA) claims White failed to submit two required Public Financial Disclosure Statements (PFDS) in 2024 and 2025, a violation of the District’s Code of Conduct. These new findings come on the heels of an FBI arrest in August, when White was charged with accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribes to influence the awarding of city contracts.
Ethics Violations Detailed
According to BEGA documents obtained by 7News I-Team Investigative Reporter Scott Taylor, White was obligated to file PFDS reports twice per year as a public official—specifically, in May and November. As the Ward 8 Councilmember from January 2017 to February 2025, he was subject to all financial disclosure requirements under the District’s Ethics Act.
The Office of Government Ethics (OGE) stated that White failed to file:
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The November 2024 PFDS, which covered the period from January 1 to June 30, 2024
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The May 2025 PFDS, which covered the period from July 1 to December 31, 2024
The OGE sent multiple reminder notices before each deadline—on October 15, October 29, November 7, November 13, and November 15 in 2024, and again on April 15, April 28, May 2, and May 15 in 2025. Despite these attempts, White did not file either report by the respective deadlines, nor has he filed them as of today.
In response, White told 7News that he is aware of the issue and intends to resolve it:
“I have until July 23rd to file. It will be filed,” he said.
Previous Expulsion and Ongoing Controversy
The ethics complaints come just months after White was expelled from the D.C. Council in February 2024 following a unanimous vote by his fellow councilmembers. The expulsion, which went into effect immediately, followed an independent investigation conducted by the council’s Ad Hoc Committee, which found “substantial evidence” that White had violated council and city rules.
At the time, Councilmember Brooke Pinto (Ward 2) called it a “sad, sad day”, reflecting the difficult decision to remove an elected official. Despite the expulsion, White maintained a strong base of support in Ward 8, and the council chamber during the vote was filled mostly with his backers.
Now, White is attempting a political comeback, running to regain his former seat in the upcoming Ward 8 special election, scheduled for Tuesday.
Council Declines Second Expulsion Measure
In early July, current councilmembers declined to advance legislation that would have barred White from regaining office or potentially expelled him a second time if re-elected. That decision has cleared the way for White to continue his campaign, even as ethical and legal questions continue to cloud his political future.
What’s Next?
If White fails to submit the missing PFDS forms by the July 23rd deadline, the Ethics Board could impose further civil penalties or refer the matter for additional legal review. His federal bribery charges remain pending, and his fate in the courts could ultimately impact both his political eligibility and future in public service.
As Ward 8 voters prepare to head to the polls, White’s legal and ethical troubles are once again front and center. Whether his strong local support will be enough to overcome these challenges remains to be seen.
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